Growing Two Tomato Varieties on One Plant Through Grafting (Approach Grafting)

Grafting is a horticultural technique that allows you to combine two plants into one, providing agronomic advantages. In the case of tomatoes, this method is particularly interesting for growing a fragile yet tasty variety on the rootstock of a vigorous but bland variety.

Grafting also allows you to grow two different varieties on a single plant! This enables you to enjoy a diverse range of fruits while optimizing your garden space. Among the various grafting methods, approach grafting stands out for its simplicity and effectiveness.

What Is Approach Grafting?

Definition of Approach Grafting

Approach grafting involves bringing together two still-rooted plants to gradually fuse them. Unlike other grafting methods, this technique does not require cutting the plants immediately, reducing the risk of failure and avoiding the confinement phase, which is the main cause of grafting failures.

Specific Advantages of This Method

• • Better healing between plants: Approach grafting allows the two plants to gradually adapt to each other, promoting tissue healing.
• • More vigorous growth: This method provides continuous nutrient supply to both plants, which can strengthen a weaker variety when grafted onto a more vigorous one.

Note: Growing two varieties on one plant will not double your harvest. At best, the weaker variety will produce more, but most of the time, you'll just get two "half-harvests."

• • No need for a confinement phase: Unlike other grafting methods that require a "sealed" environment, approach grafting allows plants to remain outdoors, reducing the complexity of the process.​

Pour en savoir plus sur les différents types de greffe, n'hésitez pas à consulter notre guide complet sur la greffe des tomates

Why Grow Two Tomato Varieties on One Plant?

Diversity of Flavors and Colors

By growing two tomato varieties on one plant, you can harvest fruits with different flavors, sizes, and colors. This enriches your dishes and allows for a varied production, even in a small space.

Space-saving in the Garden

Approach grafting allows you to maximize the use of your garden space. Instead of planting multiple tomato plants, you can focus your efforts on one plant that will produce two types of fruits, freeing up space for other crops.

Avoiding Blossom End Rot

​ nécrose apicale Some tomato varieties are more susceptible to blossom end rot than others. By grafting a less sensitive variety onto a resistant rootstock (such as most cherry tomatoes), you can reduce the risk of this disease and improve the quality of your harvest.

Steps to Successfully Perform Approach Grafting on Tomatoes

Necessary Materials

• • Scalpel: A precise tool for making clean incisions on both plants.
• • Grafting clip or grafting tape (or a flat elastic): To hold the two plants together until fusion occurs.

Preparing the Plants

• • Choosing the varieties to graft: Select two tomato varieties. Ideally, graft a weaker variety onto a more vigorous one (though any combination is possible).​
• • Preparing the rootstock and scion plants: Ensure the plants are healthy and sufficiently developed to support grafting (ideally between 5 and 10 cm, but you can also graft much larger plants).​

Performing the Graft

• • Step 1: Make the incision on both plants: Make a clean cut on both plants at similar heights to facilitate their joining.​

Note: The rootstock plant should be cut from top to bottom, while the scion is cut from bottom to top. This will provide better mechanical strength to the graft.​

• • Step 2: Bring the plants together and fix them: Place the cuts in contact and secure them with a grafting clip or grafting tape.​
• • Step 3: Monitoring and maintaining the grafts: Ensure the plants remain in contact and monitor for signs of fusion.​

Il est possible de greffer des plants de différentes tailles

Post-Graft Care for Optimal Development

Avoid Direct Sunlight

For 15 days, avoid placing the plants in direct sunlight.

It takes about 15 days for the graft to heal properly, but don't remove the clip just yet!

Removing the Clips or Tape After Fusion

Once the plants have fused (usually after 4 to 5 weeks), cut the root of the weaker plant. Carefully remove the grafting clips or tape to avoid hindering growth. Be cautious when handling the graft, as it may remain fragile for a long time.

Après 15 à 20 jours, c'est le moment de la "libération" d'un des plants

Pruning and Managing Secondary Shoots

Remove unwanted shoots that may appear on the rootstock or scion to focus energy on the main stems.

Managing the Vigor of Both Plants

Carefully monitor the vigor of both grafted varieties. If one variety begins to dominate, prune it slightly to restore balance and ensure uniform growth and production.

Common Problems and Solutions in Approach Grafting

Failure of Plant Fusion

If fusion does not occur, check the alignment of the incisions and ensure that the plants are well held together. A lack of pressure can lead to graft failure.

Diseases After Grafting

After grafting, plants are more vulnerable to infections. Ensure the plants are not exposed to excessive humidity.

The graft point can be an entry point for diseases.

Differences in Vigor

If one variety grows faster than the other, it can upset the balance of the grafted plant. Regular pruning will help maintain harmonious growth.

Conclusion

Approach grafting is an effective and relatively simple method for growing two tomato varieties on one plant. It offers numerous benefits, such as diversifying harvests, optimizing space, and reducing diseases. This enjoyable technique is accessible to all gardeners, even beginners, and allows for new possibilities in your garden. Feel free to try it out to enrich your harvests while gaining grafting experience.