Tomato Grafting for Disease Resistance: A Home Gardener's Guide

Why Graft Tomatoes?

Grafting heirloom tomato varieties onto disease-resistant rootstock combines the best of both worlds: superior flavor from the scion (top portion) and robust disease resistance from the rootstock. This technique, long used by commercial growers, is entirely accessible to home gardeners.

Essential Supplies

• Silicone grafting clips to secure the union
• Propagation chamber with adjustable light levels
• Sharp, clean grafting knife or razor blade
• Disease-resistant rootstock varieties (e.g., 'Maxifort', 'Beaufort')
• Desired heirloom scion varieties

The Grafting Process

1. Start rootstock and scion seeds simultaneously so stem diameters match
2. Make matching angled cuts on both stems
3. Join the cut surfaces and secure with a silicone clip
4. Place in high-humidity, reduced-light chamber for 5-7 days
5. Gradually increase light and decrease humidity over several days
6. Transplant hardened-off plants to garden

Key Resources

• Grafting Greenhouse Tomatoes – detailed commercial techniques
• Grafting for Disease Resistance – research-based guidelines