I’ve been growing my own tomatoes for years but can’t believe that I’ve only just found out how to multiply your tomato plants in this way!
This handy trick appeals on so many levels. The cuttings that you use to make the new plants are just the unwanted side shoots from the original mother plant, that would normally just end up on the compost heap. So you are not wasting anything, just putting the whole plant to good use. This method is also a lot quicker than planting directly from seed, because the little plantlets will give you a head start.
I was optimistic that this idea would work, as I had some great results last summer making lots more basil plants . But since I grow them outside, and we live in the UK, I thought it might take too long and it would be too late to actually produce any ripe tomatoes.
I needn’t have worried, because the cuttings in the picture above were put in water on a bright window sill for only one week, and tomato plants grow so quickly, they’ll be ready to plant out and flowering in no time at all.
How To Multiply Your Tomato Plants
- It all starts from the mother plant, so you need a good quality organic tomato plant that is the cordon type, not the bush variety. This means they grow upwards from a central stem with side branches which bear long trusses of tomatoes.
- This type of plant needs support from a sturdy cane and to be tied in at regular intervals as it grows upwards.
- The side suckers appear at the junction between the main stem and the side branches, and if left to grow the plant puts too much energy into leaf growth and so the overall yield of tomatoes will suffer.
- Just pinch or snip them off when they are around 3-4 inches long and put them straight into a clear bottle of water.
- Keep them in a bright window and in a few days you will see lots of tiny roots sprouting from from the stem.
- Allow these to develop for a week or so before planting into potting soil in the usual way.
- It’s so satisfying to make more plants instead of just throwing the cuttings away.
- When you have lots of tomatoes to use up, why not try my recipe for Roasted Tomatoes With Garlic and Basil.
I have some tomato plants. I will have to see if this is possible. Tomatoes are a great starter veggie. I am fortunate I can grow them almost year round here in Florida.
Lucky you being able to grow tomatoes all year round! How wonderful! ?
I’m wondering if this will work with bush style tomatoes?
To be honest, I haven’t tried with bush type tomatoes. Partly because there is no need to pinch out the side shoots, so I just let them do their thing! But it really doesn’t take long for the roots to develop, and it’s definitely worth a try. I’d love to know how you get on!
Hi, I multiply my tomatoes like this for many years. I only give them immediately into the soil … and it works.
What a great tip! Thanks for sharing at the #HomeMattersParty – we’re looking forward to what you have to share next week. 🙂
~Lorelai
Life With Lorelai
Awesome garden information, I will be using this tip for sure! Thanks so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday and hope to see you again soon.
Miz Helen
Good to know….thanks for sharing.
Home Matters Linky
Great idea…have you harvest many tomatoes from the “free” plants?
The new plants taken from cuttings develop fruits in exactly the same way as normal, the yield will depend on the conditions like sunlight, feed, watering and where you live, whether you have a greenhouse or not. It’s a great way to share plants with your friends and extend the growing season as long as you have a sunny window sill.