Can You Top Indeterminate Tomato Plants?

Tomatoes are one of the most widely grown vegetables in home gardens. There are two types of tomato plants: determinate and indeterminate. Indeterminate tomato plants grow continuously without stopping, producing fruit until the first frost. When growing indeterminate tomatoes, it's essential to know how to manage their growth. One common technique used by gardeners is "topping." But what does this mean, and should you do it?

What is Topping?

Topping is the process of removing the tip of the main stem of a tomato plant to encourage side shoots (also known as suckers) to grow. Indeterminate tomato plants tend to produce an excessive amount of foliage while limiting the fruit set on the lower branches. Topping the main stem redirects some of the plant's energy and nutrients to the development of side shoots, promoting a more even distribution of fruit-bearing branches.

Should You Top Indeterminate Tomato Plants?

Whether you should top your indeterminate tomato plants depends on several factors. On one hand, topping can benefit plants with an excessive amount of foliage and some genetic cultivars prone to producing too much foliage. On the other hand, topping can also negatively impact the plant's growth and fruit production if done incorrectly or at the wrong time.

Additionally, topping can increase the risk of diseases such as blight, as it creates an open wound on the main stem. You must ensure that you use clean cutting tools and cut just above the leaves' axillary buds to reduce the risk of infection.

When Should You Top Indeterminate Tomato Plants?

If you decide to top your indeterminate tomato plants, it's crucial to do it at the right time. Generally, it's best to top the plants when they reach about 12 inches in height or have about five to seven fruit sets. This timing will encourage the plant to shift its energy towards developing side branches and flowers, rather than endless foliage growth.

It's also essential to avoid topping your plants too late in the growing season. Topping late in the season can reduce the plant's ability to photosynthesize adequately, leading to a reduction in fruit production and quality. Additionally, topping too close to the end of the growing season may impact next year's crop.

Conclusion

Whether you should top your indeterminate tomato plants or not ultimately depends on your desired plant structure, genotype, and growth environment. While topping can be beneficial in some cases, it can also be detrimental if done incorrectly or at the wrong time. Before deciding to top your tomato plants, it's best to research your plant species and consult with experienced gardeners for advice on the optimal care techniques.