How to Grow a Tomato Plant From a Tomato

Can You Really Grow a Tomato Plant From a Tomato?

Absolutely. And I’ve done it—more than once.

The first time I heard you could grow an entire tomato plant from just a slice of tomato, I thought it was one of those “sounds cool but never really works” kind of tricks. But I gave it a try anyway, mostly out of curiosity and a leftover tomato that was starting to get a little too squishy for a sandwich. Turns out? It really does work.

Here’s the thing: every tomato—yes, even that one you grabbed from the grocery store—is packed full of seeds. And inside each of those tiny seeds is the potential for an entire plant. Whether you’re working with heirlooms from your backyard harvest or a cherry tomato from a plastic clam shell, those seeds are more alive than most folks think. Under the right conditions, they’ll sprout just like any seed packet you’d buy.

Now, does this method guarantee a perfect harvest? Not always. But it is one of the simplest, cheapest, and most oddly satisfying gardening tricks I’ve ever done. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to get kids or beginners involved in gardening without needing a ton of space or fancy tools.

What Type of Tomato Works Best for This Trick?

So, can you slice up any old tomato and start a mini garden on your windowsill? Sort of—but there are some tomatoes that give you better odds.

From my experience, heirloom or open-pollinated tomatoes are your best bet. These are the varieties that pass their traits down from one generation to the next, which means the plant you grow from that tomato slice will be nearly identical to its parent. If you use a hybrid tomato (which many store-bought ones are), you might still get sprouts, but the fruit you get later on could be completely different—or not even show up at all.

Cherry tomatoes? Work great.
Big beefsteaks or slicing tomatoes? Also solid choices.
Those perfect, waxy-looking ones from the store? Meh. Hit or miss.

If you’re unsure where to start, I’d suggest checking out this article I put together about 👉 the best tomatoes to grow. It gives a rundown of the most flavorful, productive types that are great for both slicing and seed-saving.

If you already have a tomato that’s ripened a bit too much on the counter, don’t toss it just yet. You might be holding the start of your next tomato plant. And honestly, it’s way more fun than tossing it in the compost bin.

How to Grow a Tomato Plant From a Tomato (The Easy Way I Do It)

I’ve tried a few different methods, but this one’s my favorite because it’s ridiculously simple—and it works. Here’s how I personally do it step by step:

1. Slice your tomato — Take a ripe tomato and slice it into thin, round pieces, about ¼-inch thick. Each slice should have plenty of seeds in it.
2. Lay the slices in soil — Place the slices flat on top of a pot or container filled with good-quality potting mix. I’ve even used leftover mix from another plant—works just fine.
3. Cover lightly with soil — Sprinkle just a thin layer of soil over the tomato slices. Don’t bury them too deep—just enough to keep them moist and dark.
4. Water gently and consistently — I like using a spray bottle so I don’t wash everything away. Keep the soil damp but not soaked.
5. Wait and watch — In 5–10 days, little green sprouts will pop up. It always feels like magic.

Once the seedlings are about 2–3 inches tall, I gently separate the strongest ones and repot them in their own containers. That way, they have plenty of room to stretch and grow.

This method is perfect if you’re limited on space or just want to try something fun and different. I usually do it indoors by a sunny window or under a small grow light setup. If you’re into container gardening, don’t miss my tips on 👉 the best containers for tomatoes so your new seedlings have a strong home to grow in.

Can You Really Trust Grocery Store Tomatoes for This?

I’ve been asked this a bunch: “Can I grow a plant from a tomato I bought at the store?” The answer is yes, but with a little caution.

Grocery store tomatoes are usually hybrids. That means the plant they came from was bred by mixing two different types of tomatoes. So while the seeds will sprout, the plant that grows may not produce fruit that looks—or tastes—anything like the original.

That being said, I’ve still done it many times just for fun or to fill in some gaps in my garden. If you want more predictable results, try this with heirloom tomatoes or even ones you’ve harvested yourself.

Want more control over the process? Check out my personal favorite soil mix in this article 👉 best soil mixture for growing tomatoes in containers. The right soil makes a big difference in how strong and fast your seedlings grow.

When to Transplant Tomato Seedlings From Slices

Once your tomato slice seedlings are about 2–3 inches tall, it’s time to give them some space. I usually wait until they’ve sprouted at least two sets of true leaves before I move them. That means they’re mature enough to handle the shift without too much stress.

Here’s how I do it without shocking the little guys:

1. Gently loosen the soil — I use a spoon or popsicle stick to avoid pulling on the stem.
2. Pick the strongest seedlings — Don’t try to save them all. Choose the healthiest, thickest stems for transplanting.
3. Replant in deeper pots — I like using solo cups with holes poked in the bottom. I bury them deep, up to the bottom set of leaves to encourage strong roots.
4. Water and give them light — Keep them moist and give them as much light as possible—either a sunny window or a small grow light works great.

This simple transplanting step helps you grow a hardier tomato plant that’s more likely to survive when it’s time to move outside.

Need help preparing that final growing spot? You’ll want to read this 👉 how to prepare soil for tomatoes the right way.

Growing Tomatoes Indoors or Outdoors From a Slice

I’ve grown tomatoes from slices both indoors and outdoors, and each has its perks. Indoors, I can control the temperature, water, and light. That’s ideal when I’m starting tomatoes early in the season or just experimenting.

Outdoors, though, is where they truly thrive—once the threat of frost is gone. If you’re starting with a slice in a container outside, be sure to use well-draining soil, and don’t forget to give your seedlings full sun—at least 6–8 hours a day.

You’ll also want to trellis or support them early—trust me, even smaller tomato varieties can get unruly fast. I built my own super sturdy support system, and if you’re curious, I walk through how I did it right here 👉 how to trellis tomatoes the smart sturdy way.

What Kind of Tomatoes Work Best for This Trick?

Not all tomatoes grow equally well from slices—believe me, I’ve tried just about every kind over the years. The best tomatoes to grow this way are ones that haven’t been heavily processed or refrigerated. I’ve had the most success with:

• Organic cherry tomatoes
• Roma tomatoes
• Heirloom slicers like Brandywine or Cherokee Purple

Those store-bought tomatoes that feel like they’ve been sitting in a cooler for a week? They still might work, but their seeds often have lower germination rates.

If you’re curious about what tomatoes are actually worth growing in general, I made a full guide here 👉 best tomatoes to grow – here’s what works.

How Long Does It Take to Grow Tomatoes From a Slice?

If you’re thinking this method is going to give you a tomato plant overnight, pump the brakes a little. From slice to harvest, it can take 75 to 90 days, depending on your growing conditions and the variety.

Here’s how the rough timeline plays out in my experience:

• Week 1–2: Germination from the slice (keep it moist and warm)
• Week 3–5: Seedlings grow their first true leaves
• Week 6–8: Transplanting into larger containers or outside
• Week 10+: Blooming begins, and small fruit forms
• Week 12+: Ripening and harvest begins!

It’s a bit of a waiting game, but there’s something deeply satisfying about seeing a plant thrive from such a simple start. And once you get the soil right, things really take off—check out this post on the 👉 best soil mixture for growing tomatoes in containers if you’re planting in pots like I often do.

How to Transplant the Seedlings When They’re Ready

Once your little seedlings have a few solid leaves and are about 3–4 inches tall, it’s time to move them into their own space. I usually gently separate the strongest ones using a spoon or popsicle stick so I don’t damage their roots.

Here’s what I do next:

1. I prepare small pots or seed starter containers with loose, well-draining soil.
2. I transplant each seedling carefully, burying the stem a little deeper to encourage strong root growth.
3. Water gently, and place them in a spot with plenty of sunlight—like a south-facing window or under grow lights if it’s still too chilly outside.

If you’re using containers long-term, don’t miss my guide on 👉 best pots for tomato plants—not all pots are created equal, especially when tomatoes get big and thirsty!

Should I Fertilize or Just Let It Grow?

After the first two weeks of transplanting, I typically begin feeding my plants. But here’s a big mistake I’ve learned the hard way: don’t overdo the nitrogen! Too much, and you’ll get lots of leafy growth and almost no fruit.

What I recommend:

• Use a balanced tomato fertilizer (look for one labeled 5-10-10 or 10-10-10)
• Apply it every 10–14 days
• Water right after to help prevent root burn

Want to learn more about what happens if you go too hard with the nitrogen? I wrote all about that here 👉 Are You Burning Your Tomato Plants With Too Much Nitrogen?

Growing a Tomato Plant From a Tomato Is Surprisingly Fun

The coolest part? Watching a tomato you were about to toss in the compost turn into a thriving new plant. It’s budget-friendly, a fun experiment with the kids, and honestly—it just feels good. Nature’s pretty amazing when you give it a chance.

If you’re just getting into growing tomatoes, I’ve put together my favorite tips for tomato growers based on years of trial and error.

And remember, as your plants get bigger, they’ll need support. I built my own trellis system that holds up 20+ plants—check out how I made it if you’re thinking of growing big.

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or trying this for the first time, give it a shot. You might just end up with more tomatoes than you know what to do with!