How to Remove Suckers from Tomato Plants

Tomato plants are notorious for producing suckers, which are small offshoot branches that grow from the joints of the main stem and branches. While suckers can produce fruit, they can detract from the overall health and productivity of the plant by diverting energy and nutrients away from the main branches. Removing suckers is an important part of maintaining a healthy and productive tomato plant. Here are some tips for how to remove suckers from tomato plants:

When to Remove Suckers

It's important to remove suckers at the right time to avoid stressing the plant and reducing its productivity. Suckers should be removed when they are small and still tender, typically when they are 2-4 inches long. This is because once the suckers become woody and tough, they can be difficult to remove without damaging the plant. Suckers should also be removed before they start to produce flowers or fruit, which can indicate that they are maturing and diverting too much energy away from the main branches.

How to Remove Suckers

Removing suckers is a simple process that requires only a pair of garden shears or a sharp knife. Here's how to do it:

Identify the sucker you want to remove. Suckers are typically found between the main stem and the branches, and they grow out at a 45-degree angle.

Use your garden shears or knife to cut off the sucker as close to the main stem as possible. Be careful not to damage the main stem or branches, as this can lead to infection or other problems.

If the suckers are hard to reach or difficult to cut, use a ladder or pruning pole to reach them.

Inspect the plant regularly for new suckers and continue to remove them as they appear.

The Benefits of Removing Suckers

Removing suckers from tomato plants has several benefits, including:

Increased productivity: By removing suckers, you can redirect energy and nutrients to the main branches of the plant, which can lead to larger and more abundant fruit.

Improved plant health: Suckers can harbor pests and diseases, and removing them can help prevent the spread of these problems to the rest of the plant.

Better air circulation: Removing suckers can help improve air circulation around the plant, which can reduce the risk of fungal diseases.

Conclusion

Removing suckers from tomato plants is a simple but important task that can help improve the health and productivity of your tomato plants. By removing suckers at the right time and using the right tools and techniques, you can help ensure that your tomato plants produce abundant and healthy fruit throughout the growing season.