Increase Your Crop by Propagating Cuttings - Learn When and How to Replant
Propagating tomato cuttings is a great way to increase your crop. It's a simple process that can be done with just a few supplies and some patience. But when it comes to replanting the rooted cuttings, there is a debate about whether it is better to replant the cutting in place of the original plant or to cut the original plant down to the ground and let it grow back from a sucker.
The answer depends on how you care for the plant. If you provide optimum nutrient delivery and light, then the plant will not become elderly. However, if the plant goes through a long summer, uses up its fertility, and gets lots of foliage damage during fruit growth, then it may be better to replant one of the cuttings that you have propagated.
In my own garden, I have two tomato plants that are about 10 years old. Every fall, when the worst of summer heat and humidity are over, I take cuttings from these plants and root them in water with rooting hormone. Then, when planting seedlings in mid-May, I put them out too. This has been an effective way to increase my crop without having to go through transplant sulk.
Ultimately, it is up to you to decide which method works best for your garden. If you have an already established plant/root system, then it may be better to stick with that rather than replanting a cutting. On the other hand, if you want to increase your crop quickly then propagating cuttings may be the way to go. Whichever method you choose, make sure to provide your plants with plenty of light and nutrients so they can thrive.
When it comes to propagating cuttings, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure the cutting is healthy and free of disease. Second, use a rooting hormone to help the cutting take root. Third, provide plenty of light and water for the cutting to grow. Finally, be patient as it can take several weeks for the cutting to become established.
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Is it better to replant a rooted tomato cutting, or to cut the original plant down to the ground and let it grow back from a sucker?
It depends how you care for the plant. If you can grow from a low sucker with the full root system, that is preferable all other things the same. An already-established plant/root system is not going to exhibit "transplant sulk" if that is a factor. Choose the strongest examples of what you have.
Can a tomato plant become elderly?
Greenhouse plants with optimum nutrient delivery can grow extraordinarily long and donât become elderly. An ordinary plant that goes through a long summer, uses up the fertility, gets lots of foliage damage during fruit growth is a different thing. However, with proper care, a tomato plant can remain healthy for many years.
What is the best way to propagate tomato cuttings?
The best way to propagate tomato cuttings is to take a healthy cutting from an existing plant, remove the lower leaves, dip it in rooting hormone, and then place it in moist soil. Make sure the soil is kept moist but not soggy, and provide plenty of light. Once the roots have grown, transplant the cutting into a larger pot or garden bed.
How often should I water my tomato plants?
Tomato plants need about 1-2 inches of water per week, depending on the weather and soil type. Water your plants deeply once or twice a week, making sure to saturate the root zone. Avoid frequent shallow watering as this can lead to shallow root growth and increased disease susceptibility.