What Are the Suckers on Tomato Plants?

Tomato plants are a staple in many gardens worldwide. Whether you grow them in containers, raised beds, or traditional garden plots, one thing you may notice as your plants begin to mature are the "suckers" that appear on the plant branches. Suckers can be a source of confusion and concern for many tomato growers. In this article, we’ll explain what suckers are and how they impact tomato plant growth.

What Are Suckers?

Suckers are small shoots that emerge between the stem and the branch of the tomato plant. They often appear as a small “V” shape where the stem meets the branch. Suckers are essentially small stems that grow from the main stem and compete for nutrients with the rest of the plant.

There are two types of suckers that can appear on tomato plants: basal suckers and apical suckers.

Basal Suckers

Basal suckers grow from the base of the stem, often originating from below the soil line. These suckers can develop into their own mature plant, but usually, they are removed to maximize the growth of the main tomato plant. By removing these suckers, you can prevent overcrowding and allow the plant to focus its energy on producing fruit.

Apical Suckers

Apical suckers, on the other hand, grow from the stem's highest point just above the tomato fruit. These are also known as "topping" or "pinching" suckers because growers often pinch them off the plant to encourage fruit production. Apical suckers can significantly reduce the overall yield of fruits, as they require energy and nutrients from the plant that otherwise would be used to produce tomatoes. Removing these suckers promotes the growth of the primary stem and increases overall fruit production.

Should You Remove Suckers from Your Tomato Plants?

The answer to this question depends on the type of tomato plant you are growing and your growing conditions. Determinate tomato varieties, which grow to a specific size and produce fruit within a shorter timeframe, don't require the removal of suckers. Indeterminate tomato varieties, which continue to grow taller throughout the season and produce fruit over a longer period, often benefit from the removal of suckers.

Additionally, the growing conditions can affect whether you should remove suckers from your tomato plants. If you're growing your tomato plants in containers, it's essential to limit the plant's size to keep them from crowding and outgrowing their space. Removing suckers can help you achieve this goal. Alternatively, if you have a large garden plot with enough space for your tomato plants to grow freely, you may choose not to remove the suckers since they don't pose a problem.

Conclusion

Suckers are an essential aspect of tomato plant growth, and while they may cause confusion and concern for growers, they ultimately affect how much fruit your plants produce. Understanding the different types of suckers and how they affect your tomato plant's growth can help you make informed decisions on whether to remove or leave them on your plants. Remember, it's all about creating the perfect growing conditions for your tomato plants to thrive.