How to Grow Tomatoes from Cuttings (UK Guide)
Growing tomatoes from cuttings is a simple and highly effective way to multiply your best plants during the growing season. Many UK gardeners don’t realise that tomato plants root extremely easily from side shoots.
This guide explains how to grow tomatoes from cuttings successfully in the UK, when to take them, and how to root them properly.
For the complete tomato growing system, see TOMATOES: HOW TO GROW, BEST VARIETIES, PROBLEMS & EXPERT TIPS (UK GUIDE).
Why Grow Tomatoes from Cuttings?
Growing from cuttings allows you to:
- Clone your strongest plants
- Replace damaged plants
- Extend the season
- Produce extra plants without sowing seed
Cuttings grow faster than seedlings because they are already mature tissue.
When to Take Tomato Cuttings
Best time:
- Late spring to mid-summer
- Once plants are actively growing
- Before flowering becomes excessive
Cuttings taken in June or July can produce late-season crops.
Where to Take the Cutting From
Tomato cuttings are usually taken from:
- Side shoots (the small shoots between the main stem and leaf branch)
These are normally removed during pruning.
Instead of discarding them, you can root them.
See HOW TO PRUNE TOMATO PLANTS for identifying side shoots.
How to Take a Tomato Cutting
- Choose a healthy side shoot (10–15cm long).
- Remove lower leaves.
- Use clean scissors to cut just below a leaf node.
The cutting should be fresh and not woody.
Rooting Tomato Cuttings in Water
One of the easiest methods:
- Place cutting in a jar of water.
- Keep in a bright location.
- Change water every few days.
Roots usually appear within 5–10 days.
Once roots are 2–3cm long, transplant into compost.
Rooting Tomato Cuttings in Compost
Alternatively:
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Heated Propagators, Heat Mats & Grow Lights — improves germination and prevents leggy seedlings during cold nights. 👉
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Garden Kneeler & Seat — makes long sowing and planting sessions far more comfortable. 👉
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- Insert cutting directly into moist compost.
- Keep warm and bright.
- Water lightly.
Roots usually develop within 1–2 weeks.
Caring for Rooted Cuttings
Once rooted:
- Pot into larger containers
- Feed lightly once established
- Treat as normal tomato plants
Cuttings grow rapidly and can catch up quickly with seed-grown plants.
Advantages of Growing from Cuttings
- Faster crop than starting new seeds
- Identical genetics to parent plant
- Ideal for preserving favourite varieties
This method is especially useful if one plant is outperforming the rest.
Limitations in the UK Climate
Cuttings taken too late in summer may:
- Not have enough time to fruit
- Struggle in cooler autumn weather
Greenhouse growers benefit most from cuttings.
Final Thoughts: Should You Grow Tomatoes from Cuttings?
Yes — especially if:
- You want extra plants
- You want to clone a productive plant
- You have greenhouse space
Tomatoes are one of the easiest vegetables to propagate from cuttings, making this a valuable skill for UK gardeners.
Return to TOMATOES: HOW TO GROW, BEST VARIETIES, PROBLEMS & EXPERT TIPS (UK GUIDE) for full tomato guidance.