Why Don't You Sucker Indeterminate Tomato Plants?

If you've ever grown indeterminate tomato plants before, you may have heard the term "suckering." Suckering refers to the practice of removing the shoots that grow between the stem and the leaves of the tomato plant. Some gardeners swear by it, while others skip this step altogether. But why don't you sucker indeterminate tomato plants? Is there a right or wrong answer?

The Case for Suckering

Those who advocate for suckering indeterminate tomato plants often do so because they believe it promotes better fruit production. By removing the suckers, the plant can focus its energy on growing bigger, stronger fruits on the main stem rather than wasting energy on unnecessary shoots. Suckering can also help with airflow and prevent diseases from spreading throughout the plant.

Additionally, suckering can make it easier to manage the size and shape of your tomato plant. By removing the suckers, the plant will have fewer branches and will be easier to stake or cage. This can ultimately make harvesting and caring for your plants easier and more efficient.

The Case Against Suckering

On the other hand, some gardeners feel that suckering indeterminate tomato plants is unnecessary and can actually harm the plant in the long run. These gardeners believe that the suckers will eventually turn into productive branches and that by removing them, you're limiting the plant's potential fruit production.

In addition, removing suckers can be time-consuming and requires careful attention to detail. If you miss a sucker or accidentally remove a productive branch, it can negatively impact the yield of your tomato plant.

The Bottom Line

So, why don't you sucker indeterminate tomato plants? Ultimately, the decision is up to you and there is no right or wrong answer. You may find that suckering your plants leads to better fruit production, while others may prefer to leave their plants alone.

However, if you do choose to sucker your indeterminate tomato plants, it's important to do so correctly. Wait until the plants have grown to at least 12 inches tall before removing the suckers, and be sure to only remove the ones that are small and unlikely to develop into productive branches. And remember, there's no harm in leaving a few suckers here and there – it's all part of the fun and experimentation of gardening!