Should I Sucker My Tomato Plants?

Whether you are a seasoned gardener or a beginner, you may have heard of the practice of “suckering” tomato plants. Suckering involves removing the lateral or side shoots from the main stem of the plant. But is it necessary, and should you be doing it in your own garden? In this article, we will explore the reasons for suckering and help you decide whether or not it is right for your tomato plants.

What is Suckering?

Suckering is the process of removing the lateral shoots that grow from the main stem of a tomato plant, also known as “suckers”. These suckers emerge from the crotch or joint where the main stem meets a branch or leaf stem. If left unattended, suckers can grow into full branches and compete with the main stem for sunlight, water, and nutrients. This can weaken the plant and affect fruit production.

Why Sucker Tomato Plants?

There are several reasons why gardeners may choose to sucker their tomato plants:

Plant Productivity: By removing suckers, you can focus the plant’s energy on the main stem, encouraging it to grow taller and produce more fruit.

Plant Health: Suckers can harbor pests and pathogens, so removing them can help prevent the spread of disease.

Plant Management: Suckering can make it easier to manage the plant, as it reduces crowding and allows for better air circulation.

When to Sucker Tomato Plants?

The timing of suckering can depend on several factors:

Plant Variety: Some tomato varieties are more prone to suckering than others.

Plant Age: Tomato plants will start producing suckers once they reach a certain age, usually around 4-6 weeks old.

Plant Size: Gardeners may choose to remove the first few suckers to encourage a more robust main stem, but will then let the plant produce more branches to support a larger crop.

How to Sucker Tomato Plants?

If you decide to sucker your tomato plants, here are some tips to get started:

Start Early: Regularly monitor your tomato plants and remove suckers as soon as they develop, being careful not to break off or damage the main stem.

Be Selective: Decide which suckers to remove based on your plant’s growth habit and the support system you have in place. Some gardeners prefer to keep a few suckers to create a bushier plant, while others remove all but one or two to create a more vertical structure.

Stay Alert: Continue to check for new suckers throughout the growing season and remove them as needed. Be cautious not to damage the main stem or remove too many branches at once, as this can stress the plant.

Alternatives to Suckering

While suckering can be a beneficial practice, it is not the only way to manage your tomato plants. Here are some alternatives to consider:

Staking: Staking involves tying the main stem of the plant to a support structure, such as a bamboo pole or tomato cage. This can help the plant grow upright and prevent the need for suckering.

Pruning: If your tomato plants are becoming overcrowded, you may choose to prune the lower leaves and branches instead of sucking the plant.

Conclusion

In the end, whether or not to sucker your tomato plants is a personal choice. Consider the benefits and alternatives, as well as your own gardening style and goals. With proper care and attention, your tomato plants can thrive and produce a bountiful harvest!