When to Pull Suckers off Tomato Plants

Tomatoes are one of the most commonly grown vegetables in home gardens. They are delicious and nutritious, and can be used in a wide variety of recipes. However, to get the best crop of tomatoes, it is important to properly care for your plants. One aspect of this is knowing when to pull suckers off tomato plants.

Understanding Suckers

Suckers are shoots that grow from the main stem of the tomato plant, usually in the crotch between the stem and a branch. They will eventually develop into a new branch, which will grow more leaves and fruit. While this sounds like a good thing, it can actually be detrimental to the health and productivity of the plant.

When a tomato plant has too many branches, it can become overcrowded, and the leaves will block out the sun, preventing the fruit from ripening properly. Additionally, more branches mean more competition for water and nutrients, which can lead to smaller fruit and a weaker plant overall.

When to Pull Suckers off Tomato Plants

It is generally recommended to pull suckers off tomato plants when they are young and small, so as not to disturb the overall growth pattern of the plant. A good rule of thumb is to remove any suckers that are less than 4 inches long, and no thicker than a pencil. This will keep the plant well-balanced and promote healthy fruit production.

However, there are some exceptions to this rule. If you live in a very warm climate, for example, you may want to leave a few more suckers on your plants, as they can help provide additional shade and protect the fruit from sunscald. Alternatively, if you are trying to grow very large tomatoes, you may want to leave a few more suckers on to help support the weight of the fruit.

How to Pull Suckers off Tomato Plants

Pulling suckers off tomato plants is a simple process that can be done by hand. Simply grasp the sucker gently but firmly between your thumb and forefinger, and pull it downward and away from the stem. Be careful not to damage the branch or the stem in the process.

If the sucker is too large or too tough to be pulled off, you can also use a sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears to make a clean cut. Again, be careful not to damage the stem or the rest of the plant.

Conclusion

In conclusion, pulling suckers off tomato plants is an important part of caring for your plants and ensuring a healthy crop of delicious, ripe tomatoes. Now that you know when and how to do it, you can start harvesting your best crop yet!