How do they graft tomatoes?

[Herbsandveg]

Now, correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought tomato plants were essentially annuals in that they grow, flower, fruit and die in one season. Given that fact, how, when the graft tomatoes, do they manage to get the roots to stay alive - presumably over winter - without the 'top bit' ie the rest of the tomato plant with leaves and stems and things?

I'm really sorry if this sounds like a really dumb question, but I'm just very curious about this, and can't understand how and why they bother to do this. Could anyone explain this for me, please?...

[rustylady]

I didn't know either, so I googled How to graft tomatoes - Growing for Market

[veggiechicken]

I did the same Rusty - plenty of info about it. I watched a video showing you exactly how to graft tomatoes. Don't think I'd have the patience.
The rootstocks and tomato plants for scions are started at the same time as the stem has to be the same thickness for grafting to be effective.
BTW tomatoes are perennial if you have a warm enough environment.

[Two_Sheds]

tomatoes are perennial if you have a warm enough environment.

That's what I was going to say: runner beans are too.

Lots of our flowers too that are labelled HHA (tender) are actually short-lived perennials in warmer countries

[zazen999]

I grafted a tomato to a root stock sown plant last year and it was the strongest plant last summer however the top didn't produce many toms due to the lack of sun

[Hans Mum]

I dont know the answer but I do that I brought some grafted toms, peppers & cuc at Easter when the large DIY shed had BOGOF plus 20% off so essentialy £1.60 each for Suttons grafted plants.

I've already harvested 3 cucumbers which were delicious and peppers/chillis have loads of fruit on them and toms are just setting fruit and theres loads. Will definately buy them again if I can get them at that price - might even try overwintering them as well

[leonmc0708]

I spotted a sign in Lytham on my way to a custoemrs and stopped and bought a few grafted plants.

Poor fella had to talk me thorugh what he does and show me.

Wil update with results as opposed to my own grown later in the year.