Do You Remove Side Shoots from Cherry Tomato Plants?

Cherry tomatoes are a favorite among many home gardeners thanks to their sweet flavor, small size, and versatile uses in cooking. However, when it comes to growing cherry tomato plants, one question that frequently arises is whether or not to remove side shoots. In this article, we'll explore the pros and cons of this commonly debated gardening practice.

The Case for Removing Side Shoots

Removing side shoots, also known as suckers, from cherry tomato plants can help encourage stronger and healthier main stems. Suckers are small growths that appear in the junctions where the plant's leaves meet the stem, and they draw nutrients away from the main growth. By removing them, plants can focus their energy on producing larger and more fruitful tomatoes. Additionally, removing suckers can help to increase air circulation around the plant, preventing the growth of harmful mold and disease.

The Case Against Removing Side Shoots

Not everyone believes that removing side shoots from cherry tomato plants is necessary or beneficial. Some gardeners argue that doing so can actually lower the yield of the plant, as the removed suckers can sometimes go on to produce fruit themselves. Additionally, removing too many suckers can leave the plant vulnerable to sunburn or stress, especially if the climate is particularly hot or dry. It's also worth noting that some cherry tomato varieties are more prone to producing an excess of side shoots, while others may require very little maintenance at all.

The Middle Ground

Ultimately, whether or not to remove side shoots from your cherry tomato plants is a decision you'll need to make based on your specific growing conditions and preferences. If you're short on space or trying to grow your plants in containers, removing suckers can help to keep their growth under control. However, if you have plenty of room and are looking to maximize your yield, leaving some of the side shoots on can help to produce more fruit. One approach is to selectively remove any suckers that look weak or diseased, while allowing others to grow freely.

Tips for Removing Side Shoots

If you do decide to remove side shoots from your cherry tomato plants, there are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind. First, use a clean and sharp pair of pruning shears to make a clean cut close to the base of the sucker. Be careful not to accidentally remove any leaves or stems from the main plant. Additionally, it's best to remove suckers when they are still small and easy to pinch off rather than waiting until they have grown larger, which can cause more stress for the plant.

Conclusion

In the end, the decision to remove side shoots from cherry tomato plants is one that depends on a variety of factors, including growing conditions, personal preference, and the specific variety of tomato being grown. By carefully considering the pros and cons of this practice, and by following some basic tips for removing suckers, you can help ensure that your cherry tomato plants produce large, healthy, and delicious fruit.