Do I Have to Remove Suckers on My Tomato Plants?

Tomato plants are the pride of any garden. They bear delicious fruit that can be used in a variety of dishes. But, tending to tomato plants can be tough, especially if you are an inexperienced gardener. One of the most common questions gardeners have about tomato plants is whether they need to remove suckers.

What Are Suckers?

Suckers are the sprouts that form at the junction between the main stem and a branch on a tomato plant. They are usually smaller and less vigorous than the main stem and can rob the main stem of nutrients and plant energy. Suckers can also become new branches and produce fruit, but they tend to produce smaller fruit than the main stem.

The Case for Removing Suckers

Many gardeners believe that removing suckers is the best way to grow the healthiest and strongest tomato plants, as doing so allows the plant to focus on producing larger fruit on the main stem. Removing suckers also helps prevent the spread of diseases, as removing the suckers opens up the plant, creating better air circulation and allowing the spray to better reach all parts of the plant.

The Case Against Removing Suckers

On the other hand, some gardeners prefer to keep suckers on their tomato plants. They believe that suckers can help stabilize the plant, as they create new growth and help distribute nutrients throughout the plant. They also argue that keeping the plant open by leaving the suckers can help the plant survive in windy or stormy conditions, as the plant has more flexibility to move.

Solutions for Keeping Your Tomato Plants Healthy

Ultimately, the decision to remove suckers or not will depend on the type of tomato plant and the growing conditions. If you have a determinate tomato plant, which only grows to a certain height and produces most of its fruit at once, removing suckers may not be necessary. Indeterminate tomato plants, on the other hand, will continue to grow and produce fruit until the first frost, so it may be necessary to remove suckers to focus the plant's energy on producing larger fruit.

If you're unsure whether to remove suckers or not, observe your plant and make a decision based on its growth. Additionally, focus on keeping the plant healthy and happy by watering regularly and providing it with the proper nutrients.

In Conclusion

Basically, removing suckers on your tomato plants is not a requirement for successful growth, but it can result in healthier plants and larger fruit. Whether you choose to remove suckers or not, remember that the most important thing is to keep your tomato plants healthy and happy. With the proper care, you'll be able to enjoy a bountiful harvest of delicious tomatoes!