Grafted tomatoes are often a
combination of hybrid plants and heirlooms.
In general, heirlooms produce very colorful
fruit with great flavor, while hybrids tend to produce longer.
Grafting involves
joining an heirloom top (called a scion) with a hybrid rootstock to get a plant
that produces flavorful fruit longer. Normally you would bury about 2/3rds of
your plant so that the stem will root out along its stem and provide a stronger
root system. The plant can be laid on its side or buried straight. Stronger
root systems mean your tomato can absorb water and nutrients better. With
grafted tomatoes, you want to plant straight down, with the graft above the
soil line. Dig a hole about 6"
deep in the ground or in your container, in this case an Earth Box®.
Add fertilizer and cover with a
small amount of soil, so the plant will grow into the fertilizer.
Next, support
the stem and gently tip the pot and slide the plant out. Avoid pulling on the
stem so you won’t damage the graft.
Place the root ball in the hole and build
soil up around it, making the soil doesn’t go above the graft point (most
important). If you bury the graft, the top part of the plant will grow its own
roots and you lose the benefit of the original superior root system. Water
thoroughly and place the plant tag nearby so you’ll remember the variety you
planted.
We carry a great selection of grafted tomatoes at the ‘Bin. These plants
are garden-ready now.
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