How to Pinch Suckers off a Tomato Plant

Tomato plants produce an abundance of leaves, branches and stems, which can drain the nutrients and energy away from the fruit. This makes it important to remove the suckers from the tomato plants to maximize the yield and avoid stunted growth. In this article, we’ll provide you with a step-by-step guide to pinch suckers off a tomato plant.

Step 1: Identify the Suckers

The first step in pinching suckers off a tomato plant is to identify them. Suckers are small shoots that grow in the crotch between the main stem and the side branches. They usually emerge as small, green buds and grow into vines that can produce flowers and leaves, but not fruit. Identifying suckers is important as it will help you know where to cut.

Step 2: Choose the Right Time to Pinch Suckers

The timing of removing suckers from a tomato plant is crucial. It’s best to wait until the suckers are still small and just starting to grow. If you wait too long, removing the suckers could damage the plant and cause the cut to get infected. On the other hand, if you pinch off the suckers too early, it could harm the plant growth.

Step 3: Pinch off the Suckers

When the suckers are small enough to pinch off, it's time to remove them. With your fingers or a pair of sharp scissors or pruning shears, gently pinch or cut the sucker off where it meets the stem. Be sure to pull the sucker straight out without twisting or pulling it sharply. This could damage the plant or leave behind an open wound that could lead to diseases.

Step 4: Repeat the Process

Once you’ve pinched off the first sucker, continue to search for any other suckers that are growing on the plant. It’s common for tomato plants to develop multiple suckers. Repeat the same steps and remove any suckers that you find. Remember to be gentle with the plant when removing the suckers.

Step 5: Monitor the Plant

After removing the suckers, keep a close eye on the plant to see how it responds. If it’s growing well and producing fruits, then you’ve done the right thing. If you notice any unusual growths or lack of fruit production, it could be an indication of something else impacting the plant. It’s best to address these issues as soon as you notice them.

Conclusion

Picking off suckers from tomato plants can be a simple task, but care must be taken so as not to harm the plant. Removing suckers helps support the main stem and increases the yield and size of the fruits. Follow the steps we’ve provided, and you will have healthy and productive tomato plants.