Here’s how to root tomato plants for a fall crop

FLORIDA — As heat, humidity, rain, diseases, and insects increase during summer months, tomato production naturally declines. Entire plants may begin to die. But it is possible to start new tomato plants from cuttings/suckers to produce a fall crop.

On tomatoes, suckers are found in the axil of the stems. Any cuttings (suckers) should be disease and insect free.

Choose the healthiest suckers to root. Avoid selecting suckers that are off-color or that have any evidence of fungal or bacterial leaf spot or insects such as aphids, whiteflies, or small caterpillars.

Inspect the upper and undersides of the leaves. Whitefly nymphs (immature stage) look more like a scale insect and are usually found on the undersides of the leaves. They are tiny, flat, off-white to pale yellow, and somewhat translucent.

Nymphs are the stage that feeds on the leaves. Also, look for insect eggs.

Basically, try to pick clean, healthy suckers to root.

Tomato suckers should be four to eight inches long and have a growing point with several leaves. Cut the suckers from the plant, remove the lower leaves, and place these cuttings directly in a jar of water for an hour or two.

This will start the rooting process and reduce plant shock. It is best to cut the suckers in the early morning during the coolest part of the day and get them to a shady location so that they are not allowed to wilt or be damaged from direct exposure to the sun.

Plant them in pots for rooting. Firm the soil around the suckers and water to make sure the potting mix is thoroughly moist. The potting mix must be relatively lightweight and allow excess water to drain freely.

It is important not to allow extremes in moisture during rooting. If the potting mix stays too wet, the stem may rot before roots form. If it gets too dry, the stem may dry out, never forming roots.

I usually use a four-inch pot with adequate drainage holes. I either root the cuttings indoors under good light or outdoors in a shady area that is protected from heavy winds and rain.

Tomato cuttings usually root quickly – in about 10 to 14 days. I may leave the cuttings in the four-inch pot for a little longer to ensure a strong root system before planting in the garden, raised bed, or larger pot (at least a five-gallon-sized container).

Make sure to pick a tomato variety that has performed well for you.

Tomato plants rooted and planted by mid-August should have a chance of producing fall tomatoes before cold weather arrives.

Larry Williams is the Extension horticulture agent with the Okaloosa County Cooperative Extension Service, University of Florida. Contact Larry at 689-5850 or email lwilliams@myokaloosa.com.

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