Tomatoes are one of the easiest plants to propagate from cuttings. In fact, a single tomato sucker placed in water or soil can grow into a full new tomato plant in just a couple of weeks. If you want free tomato plants without starting more seeds, propagation is one of the simplest gardening tricks to learn.
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If you’re just getting started from scratch, you might also like my full guide on how to grow tomatoes from seed to harvest. It walks through everything from germination to picking your first ripe tomato.
Quick Answer
Tomatoes can be propagated from stem cuttings or suckers by rooting them in water or moist soil. Most tomato cuttings develop roots within 7–14 days and grow into full cloned plants identical to the parent tomato.
Why Propagate Tomatoes Instead Of Starting From Seed?
I propagate tomatoes for a few reasons. Sometimes you’ll have a seedling die during transplant or even before that stage and you need a new plant. Sometimes you count wrong and don’t start enough tomato seeds in the first place. Or maybe, you want to give away a cutting to a friend from one of your favourite tomato varieties.
Either way, learning how to propagate tomatoes from cuttings is rewarding and comes with a few real perks:
- It saves time. Cuttings grow faster than seedlings because they already have a head start.
- You get identical plants. The same variety, same flavor, same growth pattern.
- You can extend your season. Root a few cuttings indoors to keep tomatoes going after frost.
What You’ll Need To Propagate Tomatoes
Before you begin, gather a few simple tools. You probably already have them on hand.
- Sharp, clean scissors or pruning shears
- A small jar of water or a pot with moist potting mix
- Rooting hormone: optional, but it can help speed up rooting (we don’t use this)
- A bright, warm space out of direct sun
- Patience, though not much of it, since tomatoes root fast
- Lastly, healthy disease free tomato plants
How to Grow Tomato Plants from Cuttings (Step-by-Step Guide)
The transplanting process for cuttings is similar to transplanting tomato seedlings, just with an extra focus on gentle handling.
1. Choose A Healthy Parent Plant
Pick a tomato that’s thriving, no disease, no yellowing leaves, and producing well. Suckers (the little shoots that appear between the main stem and a leaf branch) make perfect cuttings.
If you let tomato suckers grow until they are large enough to propagate, it makes the whole process easier.
2. Take The Cutting
Use your shears to cut a 6–8 inch piece just below a leaf node. That’s where the roots will form.
One of my favourite ways to get a cutting is when I’m potting up my tomato seedlings from soil blocks in larger pots. When starting seeds I always put 2 seeds in every soil block. So when I’m potting up I have 2 tomatoes growing in most of the blocks.
When I prune one to leave only one seedling I use the one I cut and propagate it into soil which gives me a second plant.
3. Remove Lower Leaves
Strip off the bottom leaves, leaving two or three at the top. This helps the plant focus on root growth instead of maintaining foliage.
4. Root The Cutting
You’ve got two easy options:
- Water method: Place the cutting in a glass of water and change the water every few days. You’ll see roots form in about a week.
- Soil method: Dip the stem in rooting hormone (optional) and plant it in damp potting mix. Keep it evenly moist and warm. This is the method that we use and we have never had a failure with a tomato rooting in soil.
5. Wait For Roots To Develop
Within 7–14 days, strong white roots will form on your tomato cutting. After this, your new tomato is ready for the next step.
How To Plant Tomato Cuttings In The Garden
Before transplanting, harden off the cuttings. Bring them outdoors for a few hours a day over the course of a week so they can adjust to real sunlight and wind.
- Plant deeply, burying two-thirds of the stem. Tomatoes naturally want to root wherever their stems touch soil. That’s why propagation works so easily compared to many other garden plants.
- Water generously right after planting.
- Add mulch around the base to lock in moisture and prevent weeds.
- Stake or cage the young plants early to avoid damaging new roots later.
Read my When and How to Transplant Tomato Seedlings article for in detail steps to transplanting tomatoes.
Common Mistakes When Propagating Tomatoes
Even seasoned gardeners can slip up. Avoid these pitfalls:
- Using weak or diseased parent plants.
- Letting the cuttings dry out, moisture is key.
- Placing them in harsh, direct sunlight before they’ve rooted.
- Forgetting to harden off before planting outdoors.
Tips For Stronger Tomato Cuttings
A few small habits make a big difference:
- Keep tomato cuttings indoors until roots develop.
- If using the soil method, don’t let the soil dry out. Keeping the soil moist will encourage roots to develop.
- Don’t fertilize too soon, let the roots develop first.
FAQs About Propagating Tomatoes
A: Absolutely. Tomatoes root beautifully in water, usually within one to two weeks.
A: Between 7 and 14 days, depending on warmth and light.
A: Yes, suckers are ideal because they’re young, vigorous, and easy to root.
A: Yes, they’re genetic clones, so you’ll get the exact same flavor and variety.
Final Thoughts
Once you’ve grown your favorite variety, you can also save your tomato seeds to keep your garden thriving year after year.
Propagating tomatoes is a quick, satisfying way to multiply the plants you love. A few careful snips, some patience, and a sunny window can turn one tomato into many. Once you learn how to propagate tomatoes, you’ll never look at those garden suckers the same way again.
