Tomato suckers, the small shoots that grow between the main stem and branches, are often pruned and discarded. But did you know you can propagate these suckers to grow more tomato plants? It’s an easy, cost-effective way to multiply your garden yield without buying new seeds or seedlings. Here’s how to do it!
What Are Tomato Suckers?
Tomato suckers are the side shoots that sprout in the “V” where the leaf stems meet the main stem. While removing suckers helps the plant focus its energy on fruit production, you can repurpose them into new tomato plants!
What You’ll Need
- Tomato suckers
- A clean jar or container
- Water
- Potting soil
- Pots or a garden bed
Step-by-Step Guide to Propagating Tomato Suckers
- Choose Healthy Suckers
- Look for suckers that are 4-6 inches long and healthy.
- Gently snap or cut them off at the base.
- Place in Water
- Fill a jar or container with clean water.
- Submerge the cut end of the sucker in the water, ensuring that only the stem is submerged, not the leaves.
- Wait for Roots
- Place the jar in a bright, indirect sunlight spot.
- Change the water every 2-3 days to keep it fresh.
- Roots should start forming in about 5-10 days.
- Plant in Soil
- Once the roots are 1-2 inches long, transfer the sucker to a pot filled with well-draining potting soil.
- Plant the sucker deeply, covering most of the stem to encourage strong root growth.
- Provide Care
- Water the soil immediately and keep it consistently moist.
- Place the pot in a sunny spot or plant it directly in your garden.
- Watch It Grow
- The propagated sucker will develop into a full-fledged tomato plant, capable of producing its own fruits in just a few weeks.
Tips for Success
- Timing: Propagate suckers during the growing season for faster results.
- Sunlight: Ensure your new plants get 6-8 hours of sunlight daily.
- Support: Use stakes or cages to support the growing plants.
- Fertilize: Feed the new plants with a balanced fertilizer to boost growth.
Why Propagate Tomato Suckers?
- Save Money: Multiply your plants without spending a dime.
- Reduce Waste: Repurpose pruned suckers instead of discarding them.
- Extend the Harvest: Grow more tomato plants for a bigger and longer harvest.
Conclusion
Don’t toss those tomato suckers! With a little effort, you can turn them into thriving new plants and enjoy an abundant tomato harvest. It’s a sustainable, cost-effective, and fun way to expand your garden. Start propagating today!