What Are Suckers on Red Cherry Tomato Plants?

Red cherry tomato plants have become increasingly popular among gardeners and farmers due to their sweet taste and vibrant color. However, one aspect of these plants that can cause confusion among growers is the presence of "suckers." So, what exactly are suckers on red cherry tomato plants?

Understanding Suckers on Red Cherry Tomato Plants

Suckers are essentially stems that grow from the axils of the leaves on tomato plants. In other words, they are the small shoots that emerge at the point where the leaves meet the stem. These suckers can grow into new branches if left unchecked, which can create a more bushy tomato plant.

While some growers may welcome this bushy growth as it can result in more fruit production, others believe in pruning suckers to concentrate the plant's energy on the main stem and encourage larger, more robust fruit. Ultimately, the decision to remove or leave suckers is up to the individual grower and their goals for their tomato plant.

The Benefits of Removing Suckers

Many experienced tomato growers recommend removing suckers from red cherry tomato plants for a variety of reasons. Here are just a few benefits of pruning suckers:

More energy for fruit production: When tomato plants are allowed to grow too many branches or suckers, they may become overburdened with foliage and struggle to produce fruit. Pruning suckers can redirect the plant's energy towards developing larger, juicier tomatoes.

Better airflow and light penetration: By removing suckers, growers can improve ventilation and light exposure in the plant's canopy, which can lead to healthier plants, better yield, and fewer disease issues.

Easier plant maintenance: Keeping tomato plants pruned and well-organized is not only visually pleasing but also makes maintenance, such as watering and fertilizing, much easier.

How to Prune Suckers on Red Cherry Tomato Plants

If you do decide to remove suckers from your red cherry tomato plants, it's important to do so carefully to avoid damaging the main stem or fruit-bearing branches. Here are some basic steps you can follow:

Identify the suckers: Inspect your plant regularly for suckers emerging from the leaf axils. They usually appear as green, soft growth and can be found all over the plant.

Choose the right time: Tomato plants can be sensitive to pruning, so it's best to do so in the morning or evening when it's cooler. Avoid pruning during the hottest part of the day when the plant is under stress.

Use sharp tools: Whether you use pruning shears or a sharp knife, make sure your tools are clean and sterile to minimize the risk of infection.

Remove the suckers: To remove a sucker, carefully cut it off at the base where it meets the stem. If it's a larger shoot, you may need to use a sawing motion while cutting to avoid tearing the plant tissue.

Monitor the plant: After pruning, keep an eye on the plant to ensure it's recovering well and not showing signs of damage or shock. Give it plenty of water and nutrients if needed.

Conclusion

Suckers are a natural and common occurrence on red cherry tomato plants, but they can impact the plant's growth and fruit production. Pruning these shoots is a simple and effective way for growers to control the plant's form and energy, resulting in better overall yield and easier maintenance.