The tomato suckers grow between the plant's larger stems.They are usually connected to a main production stem.It is relatively easy to cut the sucker from the plant.There are options to keep the sucker alive while it grows.propagating multiple plants from one original mother plant can be done by rooting tomato suckers.
Step 1: A healthy sucker is 6 inches.
These are the best tomato suckers.They grow between a main production stem and a leaf.They need to be healthy and free of disease.It should not be flowering.
Step 2: The sucker needs to be cut.
The main stem is at the base of the sucker.To cut it cleanly, clip quickly and firmly.You can remove the sides of the stem with a knife after shearing.Some gardeners think it might make the roots grow more quickly.Make sure you use clean shears.That way you won't spread disease between your plants.The sucker has lower leaves.
Step 3: The sucker should be placed in a jar filled with warm water.
It is a big shock for a plant to be moved to a water jar.It has time to recover if it is kept out of direct sunlight.You can put it in a sunny spot after this period.The cutting needs protection from the elements.Warm water is used to change the water every few days.
Step 4: After a few weeks, transplant the tomato sucker.
New roots should have had enough time to grow.You can keep track of the sprouted roots by looking through the jar.You can transplant the tomato sucker if you see about an inch of roots.The plant should be allowed to root for a few more days.If you want to transplant the tomato sucker to a larger pot, make sure it is opaque.Over time, direct sunlight can kill roots.
Step 5: A sucker is 6 inches long.
This length is ideal for rooting a tomato plant.There are healthy suckers between a main production stem and a leaf.The main stem should be against the base of the sucker.Use a knife to cut the bottom of the sucker at a 45 degree angle.If you want to give the sucker some rooting help, you can remove the sides of the stem with a knife.Make sure you use clean shears.That way you won't spread disease between your plants.
Step 6: Tomatoes can be planted in a cup filled with soil.
The eight ounce cups are the perfect size.Once the roots grow, transparent cups will allow you to see their progress.You can use any garden soil for this step, though regular soil from your lawn may not be the best choice.There are holes in the cup.The air will flow more freely and the water will drain from the cup.You should put the cup on the windowsill.This will give it enough light to grow.
Step 7: The soil needs to be watered thoroughly.
Because a rootless cutting doesn't draw water from soil as effectively, it's important to provide it with an abundance of water.You want the soil to be moist.Give enough water so that the water comes out of the drainage holes.Good drainage is important for a healthy plant.Place your cup on a surface that won't be damaged by dripping water, or place a tray underneath it.
Step 8: A clear plastic baggie is placed over the plant.
It should be large enough to cover the plant with plenty of free space; you should leave about 4 inches of clearance between the sucker's leaves and the top of the plastic bag.Leave it open.The plant will reabsorb the water in the baggie.As it grows, this will help it stay alive.If the plant appears to be dying in the first couple of days, don't be alarmed.It will recover.
Step 9: After about a week, transplant the tomato sucker.
New roots should have had enough time to grow.To check for roots, look through the side of the cup.You can transplant the tomato sucker if you see roots.The plant should be allowed to root for a few more days.Don't put your plant outside.It needs to be hardened first.You will place the plant outside for a few hours each day and gradually increase the time it spends outside.Continue this process for a week to protect the plant.If you want to transplant the tomato sucker to a larger pot, make sure it is opaque.Plants can be killed by direct sunlight.