Can This Tomato Branch Be Saved?

[Mr FootOfDavros]

Hi folks

Bit disappointing this. I have three tomato plants going pretty well in a grow house.

I seemed to miss a lower sucker in the middle plant which developed incredibly quickly over the past few days, with the good weather we have finally been having (!) and had grown into quite a thick branch with tomatoes growing well on it.

Anyway I just went out to check and it seems like the branch buckled over under its own weight as it wasn't supported against the central bamboo stick.

You can hopefully see from the first picture that I've got it back up, supported by some hemp thread. I also wrapped some hemp around where it had buckled and then taped over that. The branch was compressed on the side it had fallen in on but it wasn't fully broken.

Is there any chance this might work and the branch could still repair / function? Or am I wasting my time here and would be better off just cutting the branch fully off?

Thankful for any advice from anyone who has had a similar issue...

 

[Anniekay]

I've had this happen where the stem was creased but not broken and all I did was add another support stick, tie the stem to the stick, alleviating the crease and all was well. You really don't need the tape, nor do I think that's beneficial as no air gets to the stem.

 

[Ruderunner]

In my experience, tomato plants are unique. They are susceptible to disease but rather forgiving about physical damage.

If your branch is still mostly attached, I think it will be ok. Supporting it is good.

If it's mostly detached, you might be able to put it in it's own pot and it should heal. Especially if the branch is fuzzy, it seems to me that the fuzz is tiny roots looking for food.

Really at this point, there's nothing to lose.

 

[Mr FootOfDavros]

I've had this happen where the stem was creased but not broken and all I did was add another support stick, tie the stem to the stick, alleviating the crease and all was well. You really don't need the tape, nor do I think that's beneficial as no air gets to the stem.

Thanks - That was a good point re tape stopping air flow, so I've removed it .

Same thing as yourself, it wasn't fully broken just creased over. A bit compressed in on one side but hopefully it will be okay...

 

[Mr FootOfDavros]

If your branch is still mostly attached, I think it will be ok. Supporting it is good.

Yeah, it was definitely still mostly attached so hopefully it will be okay. I think the weight of the tomatoes just reached a point where it caused it to buckle.

Thanks.

 

[smitty55]

Yeah, it was definitely still mostly attached so hopefully it will be okay. I think the weight of the tomatoes just reached a point where it caused it to buckle.

Thanks.

That's exactly why I never let any suckers grow on my heirlooms, with 1-2lb fruit they would all need extra support.