How to Spot a Sucker on Determinate Tomato Plants

Determinate tomato plants, unlike indeterminate ones, only grow to a certain size and bear fruit for a limited time. These plants are often preferred by gardeners who want a more manageable and easier-to-care-for tomato crop. However, even determinate tomato plants can produce suckers which can decrease the yield and quality of the fruit. In this article, we will discuss how to spot a sucker on determinate tomato plants and how to remove them.

What is a Sucker?

A sucker is a shoot that grows from the base of the stem or from the junction of a stem and a branch on a tomato plant. Suckers are new growth that divert nutrients and energy from the rest of the plant, and often appear as small, green shoots. While some gardeners choose to leave suckers on indeterminate tomato plants, determinate tomato plants should have their suckers removed to keep the plant from wasting resources on nonproductive growth.

Identifying Suckers on Determinate Tomato Plants

Determinate tomato plants tend to have fewer and smaller suckers than indeterminate plants, but it is still important to monitor their growth and remove them promptly. Suckers on determinate tomato plants usually grow from the base of the stem, the point where the stem meets the main stem, or in the crotch where two branches meet. Some factors that can help you identify suckers on determinate tomato plants include:

Size: Suckers on determinate tomato plants are usually smaller than the main stem and other branches.

Location: Suckers will grow from the base of the stem, at the junction of two branches, or in the crotch between a stem and a branch.

Number: A determinate tomato plant should only have a few main stems, so any new growth should be considered a sucker.

Removing Suckers from Determinate Tomato Plants

Removing suckers from determinate tomato plants is a simple process that can be done by hand or with pruning shears. Here are the steps to follow:

Identify the sucker: Use the above tips to identify the sucker on your determinate tomato plant.

Choose a removal method: You can either pinch the sucker off with your fingers or use pruning shears to make a clean cut.

Pinching: Pinch the sucker off with your fingers, making sure to remove it completely without leaving any part of the shoot behind.

Pruning: If you prefer to use pruning shears, sterilize the blades with rubbing alcohol before you make the cut. Cut the sucker off as close to the main plant stem as possible.

Repeat: Check your determinate tomato plants regularly for sucker growth and remove any new growth promptly.

The Benefits of Removing Suckers from Determinate Tomato Plants

Removing suckers from determinate tomato plants will allow the plant to focus its energy and resources on producing quality fruit. By removing suckers, you can:

Increase yield: More energy and nutrients will go toward producing fruit, resulting in a larger harvest.

Improve fruit quality: Because the plant's resources are not divided among unnecessary growth, fruit will grow larger and ripen more evenly.

Facilitate air circulation: Removing suckers can help to improve air circulation around the plant, reducing the risk of disease and pest infestations.

Conclusion

Determinate tomato plants are a great choice for gardeners who want an easier-to-manage tomato crop, but they still require regular care and maintenance. By monitoring them for sucker growth and removing them promptly, you can ensure your determinate tomato plants produce a healthy, fruitful harvest.