How to Find the Suckers on Tomato Plants

Tomato plants are known for their vigorous growth, sprawling habit, and tendency to develop suckers. Suckers are the small, leafy shoots that grow from the base of the stem and between the main stem and the branches. While some gardeners remove them as they appear, others leave them in place to promote growth and productivity. Whether you're a pro-sucker or anti-sucker gardener, knowing how to find and identify suckers is essential for maintaining healthy tomato plants.

Look for Branches that Form at the Base of the Plant

The first and most obvious place to look for suckers on a tomato plant is at the base of the stem. When the plant is young, it often develops branches that form close to the ground. Although these branches may initially look like regular fruit-bearing branches, they are actually suckers that should be removed to encourage the plant to focus on producing fruit. To identify suckers at the base of the plant, look for branches that emerge directly from the stem, rather than from the junctions between the stem and the branches.

Check the Armpits of the Leaves

In addition to the suckers that grow at the base of the plant, tomato plants also develop suckers that emerge from the junctions between the main stem and the branches. These suckers grow in the "armpits" of the leaves and may be difficult to spot at first. To find them, inspect the plant regularly and look for small, green shoots that grow from the joint between the stem and the branch. These suckers may start out small but can grow quickly if left unchecked.

Examine the Stem for Extra Growth

Another way to identify suckers on a tomato plant is to examine the stem of the plant for extra growth. Suckers often sprout from the sides of the main stem, creating a swelling or bump as they grow. To check for suckers in this location, run your hand along the stem and feel for any rough or uneven areas. If you find a bump, gently pinch it between your fingers to remove the sucker before it grows too large.

Look for Unfruitful Stalks

Suckers on tomato plants can also be identified by looking for unfruitful stalks. When a sucker grows large enough, it will begin to develop its own small branches and leaves. If left to grow unchecked, the sucker can become a full-fledged branch and soak up resources that should be going to the main plant. To avoid this scenario, look for stalks that are not bearing fruit or that have only a few small, underdeveloped tomatoes. These stalks likely belong to suckers and should be removed as soon as possible.

Conclusion

Removing suckers from tomato plants can be a contentious issue among gardeners. While some believe that leaving suckers in place leads to a more robust, productive plant, others argue that removing the suckers results in larger, healthier fruit. Regardless of which side of the debate you fall on, it's important to know how to identify suckers on your tomato plants. By checking the base of the plant, examining the armpits of the leaves, looking for extra growth on the stem, and inspecting unfruitful stalks, you can ensure that your tomato plants are healthy, productive, and free from unwanted suckers.