Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Pomato

A pomato, also referred to as a tomtato or ketchup-and-chips plant, is a created by grafting a (Solanum lycopersicum) onto a rootstock ( tuberosum), resulting in a single plant that produces fruits above ground and tubers below. This technique leverages the compatibility of both species within the family to yield two edible crops from one plant, offering space-efficient cultivation without genetic hybridization. Developed through vegetative propagation rather than seed-based , the pomato has been studied since at least the mid-20th century but has gained renewed interest in modern for its novelty and practical applications. typically involves selecting disease-resistant rootstocks and vigorous varieties, with the union formed by aligning vascular tissues for successful integration; success rates vary by . Beyond its dual-crop appeal, research demonstrates that pomato can enhance the scion's tolerance to abiotic stresses, such as , by improving water uptake and nutrient absorption through the roots. In agricultural practice, pomatos are grown similarly to standard tomatoes, requiring full sun, well-drained , and support for the fruiting , while the underground develop from the potato base; harvesting involves digging for potatoes after and picking ripe tomatoes throughout the season. Pomato shows potential for maximizing productivity in limited spaces, such as peri-urban areas, though variations in tuber size and yield may occur depending on techniques and combinations. Ongoing biotechnological advancements continue to refine pomato systems, including studies on signaling to influence vigor and output.

Definition and Biology

Definition

A pomato is a graft-chimaera produced by grafting a tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) scion onto a potato (Solanum tuberosum) rootstock, resulting in a single plant that yields tomatoes above ground and potato tubers below ground. This combination leverages the vining, fruit-bearing growth of the tomato scion with the tuber-forming root system of the potato, both species belonging to the Solanaceae family and sharing the Solanum genus, which facilitates successful grafting. Unlike a genetic , a pomato does not involve crossbreeding or genetic merging of the two species, as such hybridization is not feasible between and due to their distinct reproductive barriers. Instead, it represents a physical where the and retain their separate genetic identities, with the graft allowing nutrient and water exchange while the portion develops fruits and the portion produces tubers. The basic structure of a pomato consists of the tomato scion providing the above-ground foliage, stems, flowers, and fruit, while the potato rootstock supplies the underground roots and tubers; this setup is typically achieved through techniques like cleft or wedge grafting to ensure compatibility at the vascular level.

Botanical Compatibility

The pomato, a graft-chimaera formed by combining tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and potato (Solanum tuberosum), benefits from the close botanical relationship between these species, both belonging to the genus Solanum within the nightshade family (Solanaceae). This shared taxonomy, including a common basic chromosome number, facilitates natural graft compatibility by minimizing genetic barriers to union formation. Similar vascular systems and growth habits further support successful integration, as the herbaceous, upright growth of tomato scions aligns with the sturdy, tuber-producing structure of potato rootstocks, allowing for stable structural support post-grafting. A key factor in pomato graft success is the alignment of layers between the and , which promotes formation and vascular reconnection. The , a thin layer of meristematic responsible for , enables the fusion of and tissues due to the phylogenetic proximity of and within , reducing rejection risks seen in more distantly related grafts. This compatibility has been demonstrated in studies showing high survival rates, such as 93.33% for certain varieties on rootstocks, attributed to efficient regeneration at the graft . Once established, the graft union allows for bidirectional sharing of nutrients and water between the and , enhancing overall resource efficiency through connected vascular pathways. Physiological interactions, including hormone signaling via and cytokinins, further support this exchange; these hormones regulate and fruit development with reduced antagonism in compatible pomato unions, facilitating balanced source-sink relationships. Such interactions enable improved partitioning, as observed in grafted where rootstocks help exclude excess sodium while increasing and calcium uptake in the scion.

History

Early Developments

The concept of pomato grafting emerged in the early amid experiments in by horticulturists. The idea of a onto a , known as the pomato, was conceptualized by Oscar Soderholm in 1930 after years of experimentation. These efforts were motivated by curiosity in vegetative propagation techniques between compatible solanaceous species like (Solanum tuberosum) and (Solanum lycopersicum), exploring dual yields without genetic hybridization. In , plant breeder experimented with potato-tomato hybrids in the late 19th and early 20th centuries at his , nursery. Burbank, known for hybridization and work, developed a hybrid fruit called the pomato through seed-based methods, as detailed in the 1909 book New Creations in Plant Life by William Sumner Harwood, which includes a chapter on "The Potato and the Pomato" describing his hybridization results. While early experiments noted botanical compatibility, pomato saw limited adoption until later developments.

Modern Cultivation

Interest in pomato cultivation revived in the late 20th and early 21st centuries through horticultural societies and seed companies developing space-efficient crops. Building on concepts, companies like Thompson & Morgan refined techniques to improve compatibility, culminating in the commercial launch of the TomTato in after over a decade of research matching stem thicknesses. This marked large-scale commercial production in the UK. From the 2000s, scientific studies optimized pomato systems. Research from 2019 evaluated tomato varieties on potato rootstocks, finding improvements in growth parameters like plant height and leaf area. A 2024 study on rootstock-scion interactions examined compatibility and performance under protected structures. The global spread of pomato has occurred in home gardening and small-scale farming, particularly in the UK, US, and Australia, where urban cultivation is common. In the UK, the TomTato's launch increased adoption among hobbyists. US gardeners have used it via suppliers for container growing. In Australia, local seed companies have promoted it for backyard and community plots.

Cultivation Methods

Grafting Techniques

The primary method for creating a pomato involves cleft or whip grafting a tomato scion onto a potato rootstock, typically when both plants have reached a height of 8-10 inches (20-25 cm) to ensure compatible stem diameters of approximately 2.5 mm. In cleft grafting, the potato rootstock stem is bisected longitudinally with a sharp blade to a depth of about 4 mm, while the tomato scion is shaped into a blunt wedge by slicing its base at an angle; the scion is then inserted into the cleft, aligning the vascular cambium layers for optimal union, and secured with grafting tape. Whip grafting, an alternative variant, requires matching diagonal cuts on both the rootstock and scion to form interlocking tongues, which are bound together to promote healing. Preparation begins with selecting disease-free potato tubers and tomato seedlings, as healthy stock is essential for successful union due to the close botanical compatibility between Solanum lycopersicum and Solanum tuberosum. Potato tubers are cut to include two eyes and stored for 7 days at 18°C and 80% relative humidity to initiate sprouting, while tomato seeds are treated with a fungicide like carbendazim before sowing in trays and transplanting to pots after 7 days. Grafting is ideally timed for spring in warm climates to leverage active growth phases, using precise tools such as grafting knives or razors to make clean cuts that minimize tissue damage. Alternative approaches include tube grafting, where the severed scion and rootstock are joined using silicone clips or tubes to hold the stems in alignment, and approach grafting, in which the scion and rootstock are grown side-by-side and notched to contact before fully separating their roots. These methods achieve success rates of 70-90% when performed with proper humidity control during the initial healing period, often higher with younger scions (around 25 days old) exhibiting greater meristematic activity.

Care and Harvesting

Pomato plants thrive in well-drained, fertile sandy soil with a range of 6.0 to 6.8, receiving at least 6-8 hours of direct daily to the scion's growth and . Like standard cultivation, the site should be airy to promote and reduce risk, with staking or caging essential from early growth to prevent the vining portion from sprawling and to protect against wind damage. Ongoing care involves consistent watering to maintain even , applying 1-2 inches per week to avoid stress on the dual , which supports both development and set without causing cracking or . Fertilization follows a balanced schedule, such as incorporating nitrogen-rich sources early for vegetative growth and potassium-heavy applications later for quality and yield, with rates around 300 kg/ha , 200 kg/ha triple superphosphate, and 220 kg/ha muriate of applied in installments alongside like 10,000 kg/ha . Pest management targets shared vulnerabilities of the solanaceous crops, including monitoring for Colorado potato beetles, , and tomato hornworms through regular scouting and integrated approaches like hand removal or approved sprays, while lateral branches enhances airflow and sunlight penetration. The typical growth cycle spans 70-90 days from to initial harvest, with full maturity allowing development shortly thereafter. Harvesting begins with ripe tomatoes picked progressively from the above-ground vines over 1-2 months, ensuring gentle handling to avoid damaging the plant. Potatoes are then harvested by carefully digging up the tubers after the foliage senesces, typically 90-120 days post-planting, to maximize storage quality. Expected yields per plant range from 1-2.7 kg of tomatoes and 0.3-1.5 kg of potatoes, varying by variety compatibility and environmental conditions.

Benefits and Limitations

Advantages

One key advantage of pomato cultivation lies in its space efficiency, as a single produces both tomatoes above ground and potatoes below, allowing gardeners to harvest two crops from the same footprint. This makes it particularly suitable for small-scale settings such as balconies, gardens, or limited land areas where maximizing output per square meter is essential. Pomato can lead to better overall plant vigor. Beyond practical benefits, pomato plants offer novelty and educational value by demonstrating the principles of and science in an accessible way, encouraging experimentation among hobbyists and students. Additionally, the robust may facilitate higher nutrient uptake, potentially reducing the need for supplemental fertilizers and improving resource efficiency in cultivation.

Challenges

One major challenge in pomato cultivation is the potential vigor mismatch between the tomato scion and potato rootstock, where the faster-growing tomato portion can divert resources away from the root system, resulting in reduced tuber development and yields, attributed to competition for photoassimilates and limited nutrient transport across the graft union. Pomato plants inherit shared susceptibilities to pathogens affecting the family, particularly late blight caused by , which can infect both the foliar tomato and underground potato tubers if environmental conditions favor spread. Without vigilant management, such as , applications, and resistant varieties where possible, outbreaks can compromise the dual harvest potential of the graft. Propagation of pomato is limited by its grafted nature, as the does not produce true to the form, requiring growers to perform fresh grafts annually from parent stock, which demands skilled labor, specialized equipment, and time for —typically 7-14 days under controlled . This increases operational costs and limits for commercial production compared to seed-based crops.

Applications and Cultural References

Commercial Products

One prominent commercial product is the TomTato, a pre-grafted pomato plant developed and introduced by the UK-based horticultural company Thompson & Morgan in 2013. This hand-grafted hybrid combines a with a , yielding up to 500 cherry tomatoes above ground and approximately 2 kg of white potatoes below, marketed as a space-efficient option for home gardeners. Initially sold for around £14.99 per plant, it targeted hobbyists seeking novelty varieties but appears to have been discontinued, with no current availability through major suppliers as of November 2025. Other commercial offerings include instructional guides for creating pomatos at home, emphasizing DIY approaches rather than ready-made plants and appealing to amateur growers interested in experimentation without requiring specialized equipment. However, large-scale farming of pomatos remains limited due to their status as a novelty item, with no widespread agricultural adoption reported. Market trends for pomato products have centered on the hobbyist segment in Europe and North America, where interest peaked in the 2010s following the TomTato launch, driven by curiosity about grafted hybrids. Sales have since stabilized at a niche level, with availability through online retailers and garden centers limited to DIY resources but without expansion into mainstream agriculture, as pomatos offer no significant yield advantages over separate crops. As of November 2025, they continue to attract small-scale urban gardeners valuing multifunctionality in limited spaces through home grafting, though commercial production volumes of pre-grafted plants are minimal or nonexistent compared to traditional tomato or potato markets.

In Popular Culture

The pomato has garnered attention in animated television as a satirical nod to agricultural innovation and genetic modification. In the series , "Pomato Juice"—a blend of genetically engineered potatoes and tomatoes—is introduced in the 25 " Grew Too Much" (2013), where characters and develop it at the fictional Monsarno Labs, a of . Pomato plants have also boosted public interest through gardening media and online content creators. Tutorials on grafting pomato plants shared on platforms like YouTube have popularized the technique among home gardeners seeking space-efficient crops. Similarly, the concept features in horticultural literature, including discussions in texts like Principles and Techniques in Vegetable Grafting (2024), which traces its history as a practical example of compatible solanaceous grafting. In broader cultural discourse, the pomato serves as a symbol of bioengineering, often invoked to distinguish traditional from genetic modification amid GMO debates. Although not a GMO itself—relying instead on physical — it is frequently cited to counter misconceptions about plants, illustrating how non-transgenic methods can achieve dual yields without altering DNA. This role highlights its value in public education on , emphasizing innovation without controversy.

References

  1. [1]
    Evaluation of Compatibility, Growth Characteristics, and Yield of ...
    May 15, 2019 · The aim of this study was to evaluate the grafting compatibility of different varieties of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) scions on potato (Solanum tuberosum ...2. Materials And Methods · 2.5. Pomato Plant... · 2.6. Pomato Harvesting
  2. [2]
    Grafting of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) onto potato (Solanum ...
    May 10, 2021 · We hypothesized that grafting of tomato on potato (Solanum lycopersicum/Solanum tuberosum) would improve tomato's salinity tolerance and yield ...
  3. [3]
    (PDF) Grafting of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) onto potato ...
    Oct 5, 2025 · The results of this study suggest that the use of potato rootstock may be a good strategy for increasing tolerance to saline water irrigation.<|control11|><|separator|>
  4. [4]
    (PDF) Grafting of Tomato (Solanum Lycopersicum L.) onto Potato ...
    Apr 27, 2024 · The data of this study suggest grafting of tomato on potato with decapitation of potato shoots is recommended for obtaining higher yield of grafted tomato.
  5. [5]
    Grafting of Tomato (Solanum Lycopersicum L.) onto Potato ...
    Jun 14, 2024 · The data from this study suggest grafting of tomato on potato with decapitation of potato shoots is recommended for obtaining higher yield of grafted tomato.
  6. [6]
    Rootstock scion interaction studies on various horticultural attributes ...
    May 12, 2024 · Grafting of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) onto potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) to improve salinity tolerance. Sci. Hortic. 2021;282 doi ...
  7. [7]
    https://oaj.fupress.net/index.php/ahs/article/view/15798
  8. [8]
    Evaluation of Compatibility, Growth Characteristics, and Yield of ...
    May 15, 2019 · The aim of this study was to evaluate the grafting compatibility of different varieties of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) scions on potato (Solanum tuberosum ...
  9. [9]
    Grafting of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) onto potato (Solanum ...
    May 10, 2021 · Grafting with different rootstocks may provide increased tolerance and yield, even under poor-quality irrigation conditions.Missing: care | Show results with:care
  10. [10]
    The Pomato Plant - Insteading
    Jul 28, 2025 · The pomato is a plant produced by grafting a tomato plant onto a potato plant. The concept of grafting a tomato onto a potato isn't new ...Missing: chimaera | Show results with:chimaera
  11. [11]
    Ketchup and Fries from the Same Plant - Laidback Gardener
    Feb 25, 2016 · The idea of grafting a tomato plant onto a potato is in fact nothing new. Luther Burbank was doing it back in the early 1900s. A French gardener ...
  12. [12]
    Gardener's Twofer: First Ketchup 'N' Fries Plant Hits U.S. Market - NPR
    Feb 12, 2015 · In the early 1900s, botanist Luther Burbank ... He even experimented with a tomato-potato hybrid, affectionately named a "pomato.
  13. [13]
    A plant that grows both tomatoes and potatoes? Meet the Ketchup 'n ...
    Mar 23, 2015 · Famous Santa Rosa horticulturist Luther Burbank is known for, among other things, grafting the tomato with the potato. In his 1914 book ...
  14. [14]
    'TomTato' tomato and potato plant unveiled in UK - BBC News
    Sep 26, 2013 · A plant that produces both tomatoes and potatoes, called the TomTato, has been developed for the UK market.
  15. [15]
    Rootstock scion interaction studies on various horticultural attributes ...
    May 12, 2024 · Pomato graft unions were developed by using four diverse tomato hybrids (scion) viz., Avtar, Rakshita, Heemsohna, and Palam Tomato Hybrid-1, and ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  16. [16]
    Effects of tomato and potato heterografting on photosynthesis ...
    Intergeneric grafting between tomato and potato was an effective agricultural approach that improved the yield per unit area on existing cultivated land.
  17. [17]
    5 Reasons to Grow a Pomato Plant - Farmers' Almanac
    Jun 18, 2025 · A pomato plant is a grafted plant that produces both tomatoes above ground and potatoes underground. The main appeal is its ability to yield two ...Missing: hybrid | Show results with:hybrid
  18. [18]
    https://njaes.rutgers.edu/fs678/
  19. [19]
    https://fieldreport.caes.uga.edu/publications/C1150/staking-and-pruning-tomatoes-in-the-home-garden/
  20. [20]
    [PDF] Techniques for Tomato Grafting - Purdue Agriculture
    The most common grafting method for tomato is splice grafting. Step 1: Cut the Rootstock Stem. With splice grafting, the first step is to cut the rootstock at ...
  21. [21]
    Growing Vegetables: Tomatoes [fact sheet] - UNH Extension
    Tomato plants will grow well in well-drained sites that receive full sun for most of the day. The soil pH should be slightly acidic (6.2 to 6.8).
  22. [22]
    FS678: Growing Tomatoes in the Home Garden (Rutgers NJAES)
    Tomatoes need at least 8 hours of direct sun each day. The area should be well-drained, and free from the competition of tree and shrub roots.Missing: sunlight | Show results with:sunlight
  23. [23]
    Staking and Pruning Tomatoes in the Home Garden
    Apr 22, 2019 · Staking tomatoes provides support to help keep plants off the ground while assisting in their upward growth habit. Because many diseases and ...Staking Tomatoes · Staking Options · Florida Weave<|separator|>
  24. [24]
    How to Grow Potatoes in Your Garden | USU
    Potatoes prefer a sunny location, long growing season, and fertile, well-drained soil for best yields. Plant potato seed pieces directly in the garden 14-21 ...Missing: pomato | Show results with:pomato
  25. [25]
    Growing potatoes in home gardens | UMN Extension
    The ideal soil pH level for potatoes is somewhat acidic, between 6 and 6.5, but they will tolerate soil with pH as low as 5. Addition of manure or compost can ...Selecting Plants · Planting · How To Keep Your Potato...Missing: pomato | Show results with:pomato
  26. [26]
    Cultural Tips for Growing Potato - UC IPM
    Pest Management Guidelines Invasive and Pests Pesticide Information. Tools ... Soil Preparation Time to Plant Planting Certified Seed Pieces Fertilizing Watering ...
  27. [27]
    Managing Potato Diseases, Disorders, and Pests - Yard and Garden
    Watering on a regular basis, about once a week, during dry periods will help prevent this problem. Hollow Heart. Large tubers may develop discolored cavities ...Green Tubers · Holes In Tubers · Colorado Potato Beetle
  28. [28]
    Growing Tomatoes in the Home Garden - OSU Extension
    Monitoring Pests: Examine a set number of plants on a weekly basis and record numbers of each insect pest observed. If abundance increases from week to week or ...
  29. [29]
    Growth and yield of pomato under the Syrian coastal mountains ...
    Dec 22, 2021 · The vegetative and generative growth and yield have been studied for pomato (grafted tomato on potato) and compared to each tomato and potato ...Missing: optimization | Show results with:optimization
  30. [30]
    [PDF] P a g e 178 Pomato: Harnessing Twin Benefits of Potato and Tomato
    Jun 5, 2024 · The historical roots of Pomato cultivation trace back to the efforts of Oscar Soderholm in the 1930s, who, after two decades of experimentation, ...
  31. [31]
    The Science of Pomato Plants and Fruit Salad Trees
    Sep 10, 2012 · Successful grafting requires placing the vascular cambia of both the rootstock and scion in close contact. Another grafting method involves ...
  32. [32]
    [PDF] CELL COMPATIBILITY ANALYSIS OF POMATO
    the same plant was originally developed in 1977 at the Max Planck Institute for ... "How to create a pomato plant". https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pomato.<|control11|><|separator|>
  33. [33]
    Pomato: Double Harvest from a Single Plant - Academia.edu
    Grafting tomato and potato results in Pomato, yielding both crops from a single plant. Successful grafting was achieved in 62% of cases, taking 12-15 days for ...Missing: early | Show results with:early
  34. [34]
    (PDF) Evaluation of Compatibility, Growth Characteristics, and Yield ...
    May 15, 2019 · ... graft. Incompatibility of. Horticulturae ... Oscar Soderholm 1930 conceptualized the ideation of the pomato grafts; later in 1977 pomato ...
  35. [35]
    Late blight of potato and tomato - American Phytopathological Society
    Tomato plants are also susceptible to late blight, and the foliar symptoms are similar to those on potato. Like potato, infected tomato plants (Figure 11) may ...
  36. [36]
    https://insteading.com/blog/pomato/
  37. [37]
    Rootstock scion interaction studies on various horticultural attributes ...
    May 30, 2024 · Pomato is a graft combination unambiguously developed employing tomato scion grafted onto vigorous potato rootstock [1]. In other words, this ...
  38. [38]
    TomTato® - harvest potatoes AND tomatoes from the same plant
    Thompson & Morgan announces another major horticultural breakthrough. Grow tomatoes and potatoes on the same plant with the world exclusive ...Missing: launch | Show results with:launch
  39. [39]
    Tomato/potato hybrids now a thing - plants - Permies.com
    Sep 27, 2013 · The TomTato can grow more than 500 sweet cherry tomatoes while producing white potatoes. Horticultural mail order company Thompson & Morgan, ...<|separator|>
  40. [40]
    The Simpsons: The Man Who Grew Too Much, review | Den of Geek
    Mar 10, 2014 · In The Simpsons episode “The Man Who Grew Too Much,” Springfield ... I would like some pomato juice please. They don't give out free ...
  41. [41]
    Planting a pomato plant (potato + tomato) - YouTube
    Jul 6, 2022 · Epic Gardening•2M views · 18:24. Go to channel · Tomatoes In Containers - The Complete Guide. The Ripe Tomato Farms•163K views · 17:56. Go to ...Missing: tutorials | Show results with:tutorials
  42. [42]
    History of Pomato | 17 | Principles and Techniques in Vegetable Grafti
    1977– Concept of tomato grafted onto potato was initially developed by the Germany based institute “Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology in Tübingen. ...
  43. [43]
    Will the Real Pomato Plant Please Stand Up? | CulinaryLore
    Jul 1, 2025 · The first experiment to produce a pomato plant was performed by Georg Melchers of the Max Planck Institute for Biology in Tübingen in 1977.
  44. [44]
    Propagating Pomatoes - Garden Culture Magazine
    Dec 6, 2013 · A pomato is not a GMO. This image above is just someone's idea of fun. Great Photoshop skills, but the harvest from a pomato isn't a single ...Missing: symbol | Show results with:symbol