Does Tomato Determine Plant Have Suckers?

Tomatoes are commonly grown in home gardens and commercial farms. The tomato plant, Solanum lycopersicum, is a member of the nightshade family and produces an abundance of fruit. As the plant grows, it may develop side shoots or suckers. But, does tomato determine plant have suckers? Let's explore this topic further.

What are Tomato Suckers?

Tomato suckers or side shoots are small stems that grow out of the main stem of the tomato plant. These suckers can appear at any junction where a leaf grows from the main stem. They are called suckers because they divert resources from the production of fruit, causing smaller or fewer tomatoes to ripen. Tomato plants can produce a multitude of suckers, which can lead to an unruly, sprawling plant.

Do All Tomato Plants Have Suckers?

Not all tomato plants have suckers. Some tomato cultivars are determinate, meaning they have a predetermined height and fruiting period. These plants do not produce as many suckers as indeterminate cultivars and are easier to manage. Determinate cultivars typically grow to about 4-5 feet in height and will ripen all their fruit over a short period of time.

Indeterminate tomato plants, on the other hand, are vining plants that can grow up to 12 feet or more if not properly pruned. These plants continue to produce new growth and set fruit until killed by frost. They produce more suckers than determinate tomatoes and require more maintenance to keep them under control. There are also semi-determinate tomato plants that have characteristics of both determinate and indeterminate plants.

Should You Remove Tomato Suckers?

Removing tomato suckers is a personal preference for gardeners. Some gardeners believe that removing suckers increases the quality and quantity of fruit the plant produces. Removing suckers can improve air circulation and sunlight penetration, which can reduce the risk of disease and increase fruit size. Other gardeners believe that leaving the suckers can increase yield and provide shade for developing fruit.

If you decide to remove suckers, it is recommended to do so when they are small so that they do not take away resources from the fruit-producing branches. Suckers can be pinched off with your fingers or cut off with clean shears or scissors. Be careful not to damage the main stem or fruit-producing branches.

Conclusion

Tomato plants may or may not have suckers depending on the cultivar. Determinate tomatoes have predetermined growth habits and produce fewer suckers, while indeterminate tomatoes can produce many suckers and require more maintenance. Whether or not to remove tomato suckers is a personal preference, but it can improve fruit quality and quantity by improving air circulation and sunlight penetration.

Understanding how tomato plants grow and develop can help gardeners make informed decisions about caring for their plants and maximizing their yield. So, the next time you see suckers on your tomato plant, you can decide whether to pinch them off or leave them be.