Will a plant still grow if more than half of its roots are missing?

Question

i pulled out this tomatoe plant from my moms garden,and the roots broke,it bearly has any roots if i plant it somewhere else will it grow?

is there any posible way to keep it alive?

Answer 1

It MIGHT live if you replant it much deeper. Plant it so that part of the stalk and leaves all  are under ground ( approximately 2-4 inches depending on the size of the plant.) then use a fertilizer specifically for transplanted plants that helps prevent transplant shock. and then hope

Not all plants will survive but some might and if the plant is a really small seedling then it's probably not going to survive.

http://gardens.bobvila.com/Article/787.h...

Planting Depth

Tomatoes are one of the few plants that can—and should—be planted deeper than their original soil line. Unlike most plants, tomatoes will develop roots along their buried stems. These additional roots will help anchor the large plants and will allow the plant to take in the nutrients and water it needs to product a good crop. If you have a stocky, compact plant, bury the stem up to the first leaf. If your plants are tall and leggy, pinch off the bottom few leaves, then set the plant sideways into a trench, carefully bending the top of the plant upward.

Answer 2

It's just like you when your sick............what's it need , food , water......rest, cool spot, recovery, not forced, it may make it lots of water though.......root toner would help

Answer 3

Tomato plants easily regrow new roots from cuttings if you stick a stem in water and wait about a week.

Answer 4

Give it a try.  There may be enough to get it going again.  Give the plant some fertilizer ( not too much) and keep it watered..  After a few days you should know if the plant will make it or not.

Answer 5

Tomato plants are not only fast growers but they take advantage of air roots on the side of the plant. Replant it deeper then it was (throw some crushed egg shell into the hole to aid root growth) and as long as the top plant wasn't too big (if it was, prune it back) it will take off in no time. Remember to keep it well watered until its established.

Its really too late to start over...it is July.

Answer 6

probably not, but you can try replanting and water it well. In all honesty your best bet would be to just buy a new one. This time of year they are CHEAP, that is if you can find one

Answer 7

Tomato plants are pretty hardy so plant it a little deeper (providing there are no tomatoes on it) then I don't k now.

Use some rooting hormone as per the directions to help with transplant shock and new root growth.

Walmart carries a good brand 'Schultz'  Make sure you keep it well watered.