What is a Sucker on a Tomato Plant?

Introduction

If you're growing tomatoes, you may have heard the term "sucker" before. But what exactly is a sucker on a tomato plant? In this article, we'll explore what suckers are, why they're important, and how to manage them.

What are Suckers?

Suckers are small shoots that grow in the joint between the stem and a branch on tomato plants. They typically appear at the base of leaves and grow straight up. Suckers can develop into full-blown branches if left unchecked, and can compete with the main stem for nutrients.

Why are Suckers Important?

Suckers can have a significant impact on the growth and productivity of your tomato plants. If left to grow unchecked, they can overtake the main stem and cause the plant to become bushy and unmanageable. This can make it difficult to harvest the tomatoes and can lead to a decrease in fruit production.

Managing Suckers

There are several ways to manage suckers on your tomato plants:

1. Pinch them off. The most straightforward way to manage suckers is to simply pinch them off as they appear. This will prevent them from developing into full-blown branches and will allow the main stem to receive the nutrients it needs to grow strong and healthy.

2. Prune them. Another option is to prune suckers when they get larger. This involves using a sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears to cut the sucker close to the main stem. This will prevent the sucker from growing any larger and will redirect the plant's resources to the main stem.

3. Leave them alone. Some gardeners prefer to leave suckers alone, as they believe they can help the plant produce more fruit. However, this approach requires careful management to prevent the suckers from overtaking the main stem and causing the plant to become unmanageable.

Conclusion

In conclusion, suckers are small shoots that grow in the joint between the stem and a branch on tomato plants. While they can have a positive impact on fruit production when managed properly, they can also cause a decrease in productivity if left unchecked. By understanding what suckers are and how to manage them, you can promote healthy growth and maximize the yield of your tomato plants.