Sounds really technical and complicated doesn’t it? Well it’s not, in fact it’s easier than you could possibly imagine. I’m going to show you how to clone tomatoes and believe me if I can do it then anyone can.
What Is A Clone?
According to Merriam-Webster.com a clone is a copy of:-
clone
Merriam-webster.com
verb
cloned; cloning
Definition of clone (Entry 2 of 2)
transitive verb
1: to propagate a clone from
2: to make a copy of
intransitive verb
: to produce a clone
How To Clone Tomatoes
As any tomato grower will tell you, tomatoes grow from seeds however it is incredibly simple to clone tomato plants. Especially if you are growing indeterminate tomatoes, if you’re not sure check out my post how to tell determinate from indeterminate tomatoes. The suckers that you remove from the joint between leaf and stalk if placed in water and allowed to root are clones.
A perfect copy of the original plant, once the roots are large enough pot in compost and grow as normal. This clone will produce the same fruit as the original plant and will need to be treated in exactly the same way.
Using suckers is not the only way to clone tomatoes, it just makes sense to utilise an otherwise waste product. You can cut any branch or stem from a tomato plant and it will root in water. This is because if left to their own devices tomato plants will sprawl along the ground and produce roots along the stems.
By using this natural rooting ability cloning tomatoes is a simple process.
How To Clone Tomatoes Step By Step
Step #1 Remove Sucker From Host Plant
In indeterminate tomato plants between the leaf and stalk the new growth that is at a 45 degree angle is the sucker. When small these can be pinched off by hand but for cloning purposes allow the sucker to grow. Once it is around 5 inches (12.5 cms) cut with a clean sharp knife.
If you have no suckers you can do the same process with a piece of stalk/ branch and then proceed to step #2.
Step #2 Develop Roots
Immediately after cutting, place cutting in a jar/container of water. Within 10 days white roots will form along the stem of the cutting.
Step #3 Place In Compost
Remove rooted cutting from water jar and place in a pot filled with good quality compost/soil. Once new growth appears on this plant you have successfully cloned your tomato plant.
Hints For Best Results
- Always use sharp, clean knife/scissors
- Don’t allow cutting to dry out
- Keep a record of which variety the cutting is from
- Check regularly for root growth
- Pot on in good quality compost once roots are formed.