Will Suckers Grow into Tomato Plants?

If you are a tomato grower or just an enthusiastic gardener, you must have heard of suckers. Suckers are the small, green shoots that appear between the main stem and the branches in tomato plants. They grow fast and seem to be of no use to the plant, hence the name “sucker.” However, there is a lot of debate and confusion among tomato growers about whether or not these suckers will grow into tomato plants.

What are Suckers?

Before we delve into whether suckers will grow into tomato plants, it’s important to understand what they are. Suckers are basically lateral shoots that emerge from the axil of the tomato plant where a leaf connects to the stem. They are also known as “side shoots” or “axillary shoots.”

Tomato plants are indeterminate, meaning they grow continuously throughout the growing season, and they can become quite big and bushy. Suckers develop because the plant is trying to grow more leaves and increase photosynthesis to create more food for itself. However, the suckers use up resources that can be better spent on the main stem, which will produce more and larger tomatoes.

Do Suckers Grow Into Tomato Plants?

The short answer is no. Suckers, if left to grow, will not develop into a full-fledged tomato plant. They will continue to grow and produce more suckers, which will also produce suckers. This process will continue until the plant becomes too bushy, fragile and unmanageable. In fact, the proliferation of suckers can actually harm the plant's health because it can lead to nutrient deficiency, as the plant must share its resources between too many suckers.

So, what should you do with suckers? There are different opinions on the matter. Some gardeners prefer to remove suckers completely to allow the plant to focus on growing the main stem and producing more tomatoes. Others prune suckers selectively, removing only the ones that seem to be growing particularly large or at an angle that may cause problems later on. Selective pruning can result in a more productive plant with a better structure.

How to Prune Tomato Suckers

If you decide to prune tomato suckers, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it’s best to do it when the suckers are still small and green, as they are easier to remove without damaging the plant. Take a close look at the axils and remove any sucker that has a stem diameter less than 1/4-inch thick. Larger suckers can be removed using pruning shears.

A good rule of thumb is to keep one or two main stems and remove any suckers that grow below the first fruit cluster, which is usually at a height of around 12 inches. This will give the plant a more manageable and effective structure. Remember to be gentle when pruning, as tomato plants are fragile and can easily be damaged.

Conclusion

In conclusion, suckers will not grow into full tomato plants, but rather create more suckers, taking away resources from the main stem. Selective pruning of suckers can lead to a more productive and well-structured plant, with fewer nutrient deficiencies. Remember to prune gently, and you will be on your way to a bountiful harvest of juicy and delicious tomatoes.