Do I Cut Off Tomato Plant Suckers?

If you're growing tomato plants, you may have heard about "suckers" and questions about whether you should cut them off. Tomato plant suckers are branches that emerge from the leaf axils between the stem and the main branches of the plant. Some gardeners believe that removing them can promote healthier plants and higher yields, while others think it's unnecessary. Here's what you need to know.

The Argument for Removing Suckers

Gardeners who advocate for removing suckers from tomato plants argue that it promotes plant health, reduces the spread of disease, and improves yields. Here's how:

Improved air circulation: Removing suckers can increase the space between plants and improve air circulation, which can reduce the likelihood of fungal diseases, especially in humid climates.

Reduced competition: Suckers can compete with the main stem for nutrients and water, which can reduce the vigor of the plant and reduce yields.

Focus on fruit production: By removing suckers, the plant can direct its energy and resources towards producing fruit, rather than supporting unnecessary branches. This is especially important for determinate tomato varieties, which are bred to produce a certain number of fruits per plant.

The Argument Against Removing Suckers

On the other hand, some gardeners argue against removing suckers from tomato plants. Here are a few reasons:

Stress on the plant: Removing too many suckers can stress the plant, especially if it's done too early or too late in the growing season.

Recovery time: Once a sucker is removed, the plant needs time to heal the wound, which can slow down growth and production.

Natural branching: Some gardeners believe that leaving the suckers in place can promote natural branching and create sturdier, more resilient tomato plants.

The Compromise Approach

Ultimately, the decision to remove tomato plant suckers is up to you as the gardener. However, a compromise approach may work best. Consider these tips:

Wait until the plant is established: Don't remove any suckers until the plant has grown to at least 12-18 inches tall and has developed a strong root system.

Be selective: Don't remove all suckers; instead, choose the ones that are competing with the main stem or are growing too close to the ground.

Use pruning shears: To avoid damaging the rest of the plant, use sharp pruning shears or scissors to cut the sucker as close to the main stem as possible.

By being selective about which suckers you remove and waiting until the plant is established, you can promote a healthy, fruitful tomato plant without causing undue stress or damage.

Conclusion

The question of whether to remove tomato plant suckers is a common one, and there are valid arguments on both sides. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the conditions in your garden. By being mindful of the plant's needs and using a selective, thoughtful approach, you can promote a strong, healthy tomato plant that produces delicious fruit.