Is it Necessary to Remove Suckers from Tomato Plants?

Tomatoes are one of the most popular vegetables that many gardeners love to grow in their backyards. Whether you are a rookie or a seasoned gardener, caring for tomato plants can be challenging. One of the most talked-about issues in tomato cultivation is the removal of suckers. Suckers are the small offshoots that grow from the point where the main stem meets the leaves on tomato plants. Here's what you need to know before deciding whether to remove them or not.

What are Suckers?

Suckers, otherwise known as side shoots, are the small branches that grow in the axil (the point where the main stem meets the leaves) of a tomato plant. They develop from buds that grow between the stem and the leaves. Suckers can grow into entire stems that take up nutrients and compete with the main stem for sunlight, water, and nutrients.

Why do Some Gardeners Remove Suckers?

Some gardeners choose to remove suckers to allow the plant to direct all its energy to producing fruits. The removal of suckers can increase the number of fruits produced, improve their size, and promote good air circulation. Suckers can hinder proper airflow and lead to the growth of diseases such as blight, which can kill your plants quickly.

Why do Others Allow Suckers to Grow?

The decision on whether to remove or allow suckers to grow depends on a variety of factors. Some gardeners prefer to allow suckers to grow because they are a source of extra foliage. The extra foliage can shade fruits from the scorching sun, and more leaves mean more photosynthesis and production of sugars, which are essential in the development of fruits. Suckers can also help support heavy fruits.

How to Determine if Suckers Should be Removed?

Whether to remove or allow suckers to grow depends on your tomato variety and your intended outcome. Indeterminate tomatoes will continue to grow and produce fruit until frost, while determinate tomatoes produce a finite, bushy plant that produces all fruits around the same time. If you are growing indeterminate varieties and want to ensure that you get the most fruits, then removing some suckers is essential. Suckers should be removed when they are small, about 3 inches in length long. If they are larger than that, it is best to leave them, especially if they have started flowering. The removal of the largest suckers can be done by pinching them off using your fingers or pruners.

In Conclusion

The decision to remove or allow suckers to grow is entirely up to you as the gardener. Understanding your tomato variety and your intended outcome is key. Removing some of the suckers can increase the yield, improve the size and quality of the fruits, and promote air circulation, decreasing the chances of plant diseases. However, if you allow suckers to grow, they can provide extra foliage, shading, and support for the fruits. Therefore, it is essential to weigh the pros and cons of removing or allowing suckers to grow before deciding on the best course of action for your tomato plants.