Should I Prune Cherry Tomato Plant?

Cherry tomato plants are one of the easiest and rewarding plants to grow in your garden. Not only they produce sweet and delicious fruits, but they also have a compact growth habit, making them ideal for container gardening or small spaces. However, as your cherry tomato plant grows, you may wonder whether or not to prune it. In this article, we will explore the benefits of pruning and how to properly prune your cherry tomato plant.

Why Should You Prune Cherry Tomato Plants?

Pruning is the act of removing certain parts of the plant to encourage healthy growth and to maximize fruit production. For cherry tomato plants, pruning is not necessary but can be beneficial for several reasons:

Improved air circulation: Pruning removes excess foliage, allowing air to flow freely between the plant leaves. This reduces the risk of fungal diseases and helps keep the plant healthy.

More sunshine exposure: Cherry tomatoes need plenty of sun exposure to produce fruits. Pruning can help expose more of the leaves and fruits to sunlight, resulting in a better yield.

Regulate plant growth: Cherry tomato plants have a tendency to grow bushy or leggy, which can hinder fruit production. Pruning can help control the size and shape of the plant, ensuring that each fruit receives enough nutrients and sunlight for optimal growth.

When Should You Prune Your Cherry Tomato Plants?

It is best to start pruning your cherry tomato plant when it is around one foot tall. This is usually when the plant has developed its second or third set of leaves. Pruning after the plant has grown too large can cause too much stress and may negatively impact fruit production.

When pruning, focus on the suckers - the small branches that grow in the crotch between the main stem and the side branches. These can be easily pinched off with your fingers or cut with pruning shears. Pay close attention to the top growth of your plant, as this is where the majority of the suckers will develop.

How to Prune Your Cherry Tomato Plants?

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prune your cherry tomato plants:

Use clean pruning shears or scissors to cut off any dead, diseased or damaged branches.

Identify the suckers that grow in the crotch of the main stem and side branches.

Using your fingers, gently pinch off the suckers when they are small or use pruning shears to cut them off when they are larger.

Remove any additional small shoots that emerge from the stem.

Keep the plant to one main stem and remove any other stems that develop from the base of the plant.

Prune your cherry tomato plant every two to three weeks during the growing season to encourage healthy growth and fruit production.

Conclusion

Pruning your cherry tomato plant is not necessary, but it can improve plant health and increase fruit production. By removing suckers and excess foliage, you can promote better air circulation, sunlight exposure, and regulation of plant growth. Follow the steps above to properly prune your cherry tomato plant and enjoy a bountiful harvest of delicious fruits.