How to Grow Tomatoes from Cuttings

Growing tomatoes from cuttings is a fast, easy way to create new plants that are genetically identical to the parent. Tomato cuttings root quickly, often faster than seedlings grown from seed, making this method ideal for increasing plant numbers mid-season or replacing weak plants.

⭐ Recommended Products — Tomatoes & Growing Essentials

• Tomato Seed Collection (Garden & Greenhouse Varieties)
A mix of popular tomato seeds — including salad and beefsteak types — perfect for sowing indoors early and planting out when warm.
👉 Click here to see top options

• Tomato Plants (Ready-Grown)
Save time with healthy young tomato plants — excellent if you prefer planting established plants rather than starting from seed.
👉 Click here to see top options

• Tomato Support Cages & Stakes
Helps keep vines upright, improving air circulation and reducing disease — essential for healthy growth and easier harvesting.
👉 Click here to see top options

• Tomato Feed & Fertiliser
Formulated with high potassium to support strong flowering and fruiting — use regularly through the growing season for bigger, juicier tomatoes.
👉 Click here to see top options

• Tomato Grow Bags / Containers
Ideal for patios, balconies, or greenhouse growing — provides good drainage and space for roots to develop big, productive plants.
👉 Click here to see top options

This guide explains exactly how to grow tomatoes from cuttings, step by step, and how to care for them until they are fully productive.

What Are Tomato Cuttings?

Tomato cuttings are pieces of stem taken from an existing tomato plant and rooted to form a new plant. Unlike many vegetables, tomatoes readily grow roots from their stems, making them perfect for propagation by cuttings.

Cuttings are commonly taken from:

• Side shoots (suckers) on cordon tomatoes
• Healthy stem tips
• Pruned growth that would otherwise be discarded

Why Grow Tomatoes from Cuttings?

Growing tomatoes from cuttings has several advantages:

• Much faster than growing from seed
• New plants are identical to the parent
• Ideal for replacing failed plants
• Extends the season by producing mature plants quickly
• Free way to increase plant numbers

Cuttings can often catch up with seed-grown plants in just a few weeks.

When Is the Best Time to Take Tomato Cuttings?

The best time to take cuttings is:

• Late spring through summer
• When plants are actively growing
• When side shoots are 10–20cm long

Avoid taking cuttings from stressed, diseased, or flowering shoots.

Which Tomato Plants Are Best for Cuttings?

Cuttings work best from:

• Cordon (indeterminate) tomatoes
• Healthy, vigorous plants
• Non-flowering side shoots

Bush tomatoes can be used, but removing shoots may reduce the main plant’s yield.

How to Take Tomato Cuttings

Step-by-Step

1. Choose a healthy side shoot or stem tip
2. Cut a section 10–20cm long using clean scissors or secateurs
3. Remove lower leaves, leaving 2–3 leaves at the top
4. Make the cut just below a leaf joint

Clean cuts reduce the risk of disease.

Rooting Tomato Cuttings in Water

Water rooting is the simplest method.

How to Root in Water

• Place the cut end in a jar of clean water
• Ensure no leaves are submerged
• Put the jar in a bright, warm spot out of direct sun
• Change the water every 1–2 days

Roots usually appear within 5–10 days.

Rooting Tomato Cuttings in Compost

Cuttings can also be rooted directly in compost.

How to Root in Compost

• Fill a small pot with moist multi-purpose compost
• Make a hole and insert the cutting
• Firm gently around the stem
• Water lightly

Keep compost moist but not waterlogged. Roots usually form within 7–14 days.

Do Tomato Cuttings Need Rooting Hormone?

No. Tomatoes root very easily without rooting hormone. While it won’t hurt to use it, it’s completely optional and usually unnecessary.

Where to Keep Tomato Cuttings While Rooting

• Bright, indirect light
• Warm conditions (18–24°C)
• Sheltered from strong sun and wind

Too much sun causes wilting before roots form.

How to Tell When Tomato Cuttings Have Rooted

Signs include:

• New leaf growth
• Firm resistance when gently tugged
• No wilting during the day

Once rooted, cuttings can be treated like young tomato plants.

Potting On Tomato Cuttings

After rooting:

• Move cuttings into larger pots
• Plant deeply to encourage more roots
• Use fresh compost
• Water thoroughly

Potting on quickly encourages strong growth.

Planting Tomato Cuttings Outdoors

Before planting outside:

• Harden off for 7–10 days
• Ensure frost risk has passed
• Plant deeply and support immediately

Cuttings establish quickly once planted out.

How Long Do Tomato Cuttings Take to Produce Fruit?

Tomato cuttings often flower and fruit faster than seed-grown plants.

Typical timeline:

• Roots form: 1–2 weeks
• Strong growth: 2–3 weeks
• Flowering and fruiting: shortly after

Many cuttings produce tomatoes within 4–6 weeks of rooting.

Common Mistakes When Growing Tomatoes from Cuttings

• Letting leaves sit in water (causes rot)
• Using weak or diseased parent plants
• Allowing compost to dry out
• Exposing cuttings to strong sun too early

Avoiding these mistakes leads to near-100% success rates.

Can You Take Cuttings Late in the Season?

Yes, but success depends on temperature and light.

• Late-summer cuttings grow well under cover
• Autumn cuttings need warmth and good light
• Indoor or greenhouse growing extends success

Late cuttings are ideal for greenhouse or indoor growing.

Are Tomato Cuttings as Productive as Seed-Grown Plants?

Yes. Tomato plants grown from cuttings are:

• Genetically identical
• Just as productive
• Often quicker to crop

With good care, yields are comparable to seed-grown plants.

Final Thoughts

Growing tomatoes from cuttings is one of the easiest and fastest ways to propagate new plants. With minimal effort, you can turn pruned side shoots into productive tomato plants in just a few weeks.

If you want to save money, replace failed plants, or increase your harvest quickly, tomato cuttings are a brilliant and reliable method worth using every season.