How to Use Suckers on Tomato Plants

When it comes to growing tomatoes, one of the most important maintenance jobs is pruning. Pruning removes excess growth and encourages better fruit production. One aspect of pruning that is often neglected is sucker removal. Suckers are small shoots that form between the main stem and leaf branches. If left to grow, they can sap valuable nutrients from the plant and reduce fruit yield. Here’s how to use suckers on tomato plants and why it’s important.

Step 1: Identify Suckers

A tomato sucker is any small shoot that emerges between a leaf branch and the main stem. These small shoots can be hard to spot at first, but once you know what to look for, it’s easy to identify them. They typically emerge from the crotch of two branches and can be removed while still young and tender.

Step 2: Choose Which Suckers to Remove

It’s important to remove suckers that appear at or below the first flower cluster. The reason for this is that the energy used for sucker growth is better used for fruit production. You should also remove any actively growing suckers that are more than a few inches long. If the suckers are still small, it’s best to remove them by gently pinching them off between your forefinger and thumb. For larger suckers, you may need to use a pruner, making sure to sterilize it first to avoid spreading disease.

Step 3: Prune Regularly

While removing suckers is important, it’s just one aspect of overall tomato plant maintenance. To encourage healthy growth and fruit production, it’s essential to prune regularly. This includes removing any yellowing, dead, or diseased leaves, as well as any branches that cross or shade other parts of the plant. Pruning on a regular basis will help ensure your tomatoes are healthy and productive.

Step 4: Stake and Tie Plants

Tomato plants can grow quite tall and heavy, especially when laden with fruit. To prevent them from toppling over, it’s important to stake and tie the plants. This can be done using bamboo stakes, cages, or other supports. As the plant grows, use soft twine or special tomato ties to attach the stem to the support structure. This will help keep the plant upright and ensure the fruit stays off the ground, reducing the risk of disease and rot.

Step 5: Water and Fertilize Regularly

Tomatoes are heavy feeders and require regular watering and fertilization to thrive. This is especially important during the early stages of growth when the plants are developing their root systems. Water deeply and infrequently, making sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to promote healthy growth and fruit production.

Final Thoughts

Using suckers on tomato plants is a simple yet effective technique for maintaining plant health and maximizing fruit yield. By removing suckers and pruning regularly, you can help ensure your plants are healthy, strong, and productive. Remember to stake and tie your plants, water and fertilize regularly, and keep an eye out for pests and diseases. With a little care and attention, your tomato plants will provide you with a bountiful harvest throughout the growing season.