What is a Sucker on Tomato Plants?

Tomato plants are favorites among home gardeners since they are relatively easy to grow and provide a healthy harvest of fresh, juicy tomatoes. However, even experienced gardeners may be confused by the term "sucker" when it comes to their tomato plants. So, what exactly is a sucker on tomato plants, and why do we need to remove them?

What is a Sucker?

A sucker is an additional stem that emerges from the axil of a leaf stem. In tomato plants, suckers will grow in the space between the main stem and the leaves. These can either grow straight up and look like a mini branch, or they can have fruit clusters, flowers or leaves attached.

While some gardeners may think leaving the suckers on their tomato plants will provide more fruit, this isn't always the case. In fact, suckers can have a negative impact on the plant and its fruit productivity.

Why Should Suckers be Removed?

Suckers remove valuable energy from the plants, which leads to reduced productivity. By taking away energy from producing fruit, the plant's vitality is directly impacted. A plant with too many suckers will produce fewer, smaller fruit with less flavor and fewer nutrients.

Additionally, having too many branches on the plant can increase shade on the tomato fruit, which can also reduce the plant's yield. In extreme cases, too much shading can even cause the tomato fruit to become deformed.

How to Identify Suckers

Identifying and removing suckers is relatively simple. The first step is to perform regular inspections of your tomato plants every few days. When a new growth appears between the main stem and a leaf stem, it's likely a sucker.

To determine if it's a sucker or a productive branch, it's important to check where the growth is coming from. If the growth stems from the leaf axil, it's a sucker.

How to Remove Suckers

To remove suckers, it's a good idea to use pruning shears, glue, or your fingers. It's best to remove suckers when they are small and fragile, as they will be easier to pull off or cut with pruning shears.

Another way to "remove" suckers is by using glue. Simply dab some glue on the base of the sucker, and after it dries, it can be pulled away with little effort. You can also remove the sucker with your fingers, but it's important to grip the sucker firmly and pull it slowly and with care.

Conclusion

Suckers may seem like another branch of tomato plants, but they can significantly impact the productivity and vitality of the plant. Removing suckers is an important part of maintaining healthy and productive tomato plants, and it's a simple task that any gardener can do. Be sure to regularly inspect your plants for any new growth, so you can catch suckers early, and dispose of them as soon as possible. By doing so, you'll enjoy a bountiful harvest of sweet and juicy tomatoes.