How and When to Sucker a Tomato Plant

Tomatoes are some of the most popular plants grown in gardens around the world. They are relatively easy to grow and produce delicious fruits that are perfect for using in salads, sauces, and other dishes. However, if you want your tomato plants to grow strong and healthy, it's important to know how and when to sucker them.

What is Suckering?

Suckering is the process of removing unwanted shoots and leaves from your tomato plants. These shoots typically grow from the area where the stem and branches meet, and they are commonly known as suckers. By removing these suckers, you can improve the overall health and growth of your plants.

Why Should You Sucker Your Tomato Plants?

There are several reasons why you should consider suckering your tomato plants, including:

Improved air circulation: By removing the suckers, you can improve the amount of air that circulates around your plants. This can help prevent diseases and pests from taking hold.

Increased fruit production: When you sucker your tomato plants, you are directing more of the plant's energy and resources towards producing fruit. This can result in higher yields and bigger, healthier tomatoes.

Stronger plants: Suckering your tomato plants can help them grow stronger and more upright. This can be especially important if you live in an area with high winds or heavy rain, which can damage weaker plants.

When Should You Sucker Your Tomato Plants?

The best time to sucker your tomato plants is when they are still relatively young and small. As a general rule, you should start suckering your plants when they are around 12-18 inches tall.

It's important to continue suckering your plants throughout the growing season, especially if you notice new suckers starting to grow. You should also keep an eye out for any damaged or diseased leaves, which should be removed as soon as possible to prevent the problem from spreading.

How to Sucker Your Tomato Plants

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to sucker your tomato plants:

Inspect the plants: Before you start suckering, take a close look at your tomato plants to identify any suckers that need to be removed.

Pinch off the suckers: Using your fingers or a sharp pair of pruners, pinch off any unwanted suckers that are growing between the stem and branches of your tomato plants.

Remove damaged leaves: If you notice any leaves that are damaged or diseased, remove them from the plant as well.

It's important to use clean, sharp tools when suckering your tomato plants to prevent the spread of disease. You should also avoid removing too many leaves or suckers at once, as this can stress the plants and slow down their growth.

In Conclusion

Suckering your tomato plants is a simple but important step in growing healthy, productive plants. By removing unwanted suckers and leaves, you can improve air circulation, increase fruit production, and ensure that your plants grow strong and upright. Remember to start suckering your plants when they are still relatively young, and continue throughout the growing season for best results.