Last Updated on March 6, 2023 by Suttons Horticultural Team
Why our grafted vegetable plants are the best!
Over the last year, the Suttons UK Nursery team has been busy developing the grafting technique to ensure our premium plants continue to be the market leaders. With this in mind, Suttons new grafting technique is now used on all tomato plants in order to produce more fruit, earlier, lower on a plant and over a longer period! You’ll also find an extensive range of grafted vegetable plants to choose from.
How are plants grafted?
Two plants are grown simultaneously; a tasty fruiting variety and a super-strong rootstock. The tops of the of the fruiting variety and the super-strong rootstock are carefully and skilfully removed by hand using a small blade to slice at an angle across each stem.
The rootstock bottom and the top of the fruiting plant are then grafted together using a special clip which drops off naturally as the plant grows.
Where are plants grafted?
The new grafting position (pioneered by Suttons!) is now taken above the first true leaf. Please note: This process is currently only being used on tomato plants.
The benefits of Suttons new grafting process
- At least 1 extra fruiting truss per plant
- Up to 75% more fruit than ordinary tomato plants*
- Earlier fruiting
- Longer fruiting period
- Greater yields
- Even greater resistance to pests and disease
- Even better for outdoor growing
For more grafting insider knowledge, watch our video here and learn how to get the most from your grafted vegetable plants.
Why graft plants above the first true leaf?
Grafting the plant above the first true leaf ‘fools’ the young plant into thinking it’s older than it really is. The plant, therefore, produces its fruit much earlier and much lower down the stem to give your customers an even greater yield!
Grafting process on all other Suttons vegetable plants
At present, the new grafting process is only used for tomatoes, however, our current process of grafting below the first true ‘Cotyledon’ leaves is still as successful on all our other vegetable varieties; Aubergine, Pepper, Chilli and Cucumber. The current grafting position is below the cotyledons.
