[Pedwardine]

Hi, central growing stem of a few formerly well growing tomato plants has broken off  . What are the chances of survival, getting fruit eventually? Can a branch take over the job of the stem? Do I just chuck 'em 

[Factotum]

Hi

I assume the plants are indeterminate - ie you would normally pinch out the stems that form at the joint of a leaf stem and the main branch.

Although the main stem has gone, the plant should still grow the side shoots and these will grow flowers and then you will get toms. If it were me, I would keep the plants and maybe allow a few side shoots to develop, support them and see what happens.

Hope this helps

Sue.

[Fleecewife]

No probs - they will be delayed by a small amount but not much.   I had a weird problem with two of my tomato varieties, where the growth points were distorted and curled up - stem and leaves.  I repotted them and pinched out the tops and now a sidestem is taking over on them all, with normal growth

[Pedwardine]

Fabaroo    thanks guys. They are yummy varieaties and I didn't want to write them off. So pleased that they're worth a shot.

[deepinthewoods]

and the broken off bit will root quickly if you plant it, youll get 2 for the price of one!

[Pedwardine]

Huzzar! But alas too late for that one