What is a sucker on a tomato plant?

Tomato plants are popular garden vegetables, and they require proper maintenance to produce a healthy yield. One of the crucial tasks in tomato plant maintenance is pruning. Suckering is a type of pruning that involves removing the small shoots that grow between the stem and branches on a tomato plant. But what is a sucker on a tomato plant?

Understanding the Anatomy of a Tomato Plant

The suckers are the small shoots or branches that grow in the angle between the stem and the branches of a tomato plant. Tomato plants are indeterminate, which means that they continue to grow throughout the season. As they grow, they produce a single stem or main stalk with branches that grow off it. The suckers are new growth from the main stem or the branches of the tomato plant.

The Purpose of Suckering

Removing suckers from a tomato plant has several benefits. Firstly, it diverts the plant's energy to the production of fruit rather than unnecessary growth. When left unchecked, suckers can consume valuable nutrients and water from the plant, resulting in fewer fruits and less overall growth. Secondly, suckering keeps the plant's shape under control, which helps with proper airflow and sun exposure, reducing the risk of disease and fungal growth.

When to Sucker Tomato Plants

Suckering should start when the plants are young and reach about 6 to 8 inches high. It is essential to identify the suckers before they start to grow too much, as it can become challenging to remove them without damaging the plant. Prune suckers when they start to emerge and are about one to two inches long. Avoid removing the topmost shoot, also known as the terminal bud, as it is vital to the growth and development of the plant.

How to Sucker Tomato Plants

The process of suckering a tomato plant is relatively simple. You can use pruning shears, scissors, or a sharp knife to remove the suckers. Take care when removing the suckers so that you do not end up damaging the plant or tearing the stem bark. Using a sharp instrument, clip off the sucker by cutting it as close to the main branch or stem as possible.

The Bottom Line

Now that you know what a sucker on a tomato plant is, you understand why removing them is important. Regular suckering helps optimize the tomato plant's growth and increases its fruit production. Additionally, it keeps the plant's shape manageable, reducing the risk of ailments and improving the overall quality of your crop.