What are Suckers on Tomato Plants?

For those who are not familiar with gardening, you may have never heard the term “suckers” in relation to tomato plants. Tomato suckers are the small, new shoots that grow in between the main trunk of the plant and its branches. They are commonly called “suckers” because they absorb the energy and nutrients that should be going to the rest of the plant. But are they really bad for tomato plants? Let’s explore more about suckers on tomato plants.

Why do Tomato Plants Have Suckers?

Suckers on tomato plants are a natural occurrence. The main stem of the plant, called the “leader,” will produce suckers if it is allowed to grow unchecked. The suckers emerge from the stem’s leaf axils and will continue to grow and produce their own branches, flowers, and fruit. This process is known as determinate growth. Tomato plants can also grow indeterminately, meaning they will continue to grow and produce fruit until the first frost. Suckers can still appear on these plants as well.

Are Suckers on Tomato Plants Bad?

While suckers may sound like a negative aspect of tomato plants, they are not necessarily bad for the plant. In fact, some gardeners even intentionally leave a few suckers on their tomato plants. The main benefit of allowing suckers to grow is that they increase the plant’s overall yield. More branches mean more leaves, more flowers, and more fruit. However, if the suckers are not pruned, they can become too numerous, making the plant less productive overall.

How to Properly Prune Suckers on Tomato Plants

The key to managing suckers on tomato plants is proper pruning. Pruning is the process of removing some of the plant’s leaves and branches to encourage the plant to focus its energy on producing fruit rather than growing additional branches. To prune suckers, simply pinch them off with your fingers or use a clean pair of garden shears. When pruning suckers, it is important to wait until they have grown to a sufficient size so that they do not start growing again from the same spot.

Some gardeners will prune all of the suckers from their tomato plants, while others will leave a few to increase the plant’s yield. If you decide to leave some suckers, it is important to manage them properly. Aim for one or two suckers per branch and remove the rest. This will prevent the plant from becoming too bushy and minimize the risk of disease.

The Bottom Line: Suckers on Tomato Plants

Suckers on tomato plants are a natural part of the plant's growth process. While they may seem like a nuisance, suckers can actually increase the overall yield of your tomato plant if they are managed properly. Pruning is the key to managing suckers, and the right technique can depend on your gardening goals. With proper pruning, you can establish a healthy balance and maximize your tomato plant's growth potential.