How to Plant Tomato Suckers

Tomatoes are a popular vegetable that can be grown in most climate zones. They are relatively easy to grow and can produce a bountiful harvest. One way to increase the yield of your tomato plants is to plant suckers. Suckers are the small shoots that form between the main stem and the branches of the tomato plant. In this article, we will discuss how to plant tomato suckers.

What Are Tomato Suckers?

Tomato suckers are small shoots that grow between the main stem and the branches of the plant. They are also referred to as side shoots. Suckers are not harmful to the plant, but they can reduce the overall yield of the plant if left unchecked. They can also make your tomato plant look unruly and unkempt. Therefore, it is recommended to prune suckers as they appear.

When Should You Plant Tomato Suckers?

Tomato suckers can be planted at any point during the growing season. However, it is best to plant them when they are small and have just begun to appear. This will give them a better chance of rooting and growing into healthy plants. Late in the season, it may be too late for suckers to develop into mature plants.

How to Plant Tomato Suckers

To plant tomato suckers, start by selecting a healthy sucker from your tomato plant. Look for a sucker that is small and has just begun to grow. Using a sharp knife or scissors, cut the sucker off of the stem at a point just below the node where it meets the stem.

Once you have cut the sucker off, remove the leaves from the bottom of the stem, leaving just one or two sets of leaves at the top. This will help the plant focus its energy on growing roots rather than producing leaves.

Next, dip the bottom of the stem into rooting hormone. This will help the plant to root quickly and will improve its chances of survival.

Then, plant the sucker into a pot filled with well-draining soil. Make sure to plant the sucker deep enough that the stem is covered with soil up to the level of the remaining leaves.

Water the sucker immediately after planting and keep the soil evenly moist while the plant is rooting. It is important not to let the soil dry out as this can cause the plant to die.

Caring for Tomato Suckers

Once the tomato sucker has rooted and begins to grow leaves, it will require the same care as the other tomato plants in your garden. Make sure to water it regularly and provide it with plenty of sunlight. Fertilize as necessary and be sure to prune any new suckers as they appear.

It is important to note that not all suckers are created equal. Some varieties of tomato plants produce more viable suckers than others. Additionally, some suckers may produce a different type of tomato than the parent plant. If you are looking to maintain the purity of your tomato plant, it may be best to only plant suckers from the same variety of tomato plant.

Conclusion

Planting tomato suckers can be a great way to increase the yield of your tomato plants. By following these steps, you can ensure that your tomato suckers have the best chance of rooting and growing into healthy plants. With a little care and attention, your tomato suckers can provide you with a bountiful harvest of delicious and nutritious tomatoes.