Is it Necessary to Sucker Tomato Plants?

Tomatoes are a popular fruit around the world, used in many recipes including salads, drinks, sauces and soups. Most home gardeners grow tomatoes in their garden, and when doing so, are often faced with the question of whether to sucker the tomato plants or not. In this article, we will explore what it means to sucker tomato plants and whether or not it is necessary.

What Does it Mean to Sucker Tomato Plants?

Suckering tomato plants is the process of removing the shoots that grow from the branches of the plant that are found in the crotch or axil between the main stem and branches. These shoots are often referred to as suckers because they “suck” away valuable energy and nutrients that the plant could otherwise use to produce fruit.

Pros and Cons of Suckering Tomato Plants

While there are certainly benefits to suckering tomato plants, there are also drawbacks. Let’s take a look at both:

Pros of Suckering Tomato Plants

Increased fruit size - By removing suckers, the tomato plant will direct more energy and nutrients to its fruit, resulting in larger and more robust tomatoes.

Improved air flow and light distribution - By removing suckers, the structure of the plant is improved, which can result in better air circulation and light distribution, promoting healthier growth.

Easier to manage - Suckering tomato plants can make it easier to manage and train the plant, ensuring that it grows in the desired direction and takes up less space.

Cons of Suckering Tomato Plants

Reduced yield - Suckering a tomato plant can result in a lower yield because the plant will have fewer stems to produce fruit.

More time-intensive - Suckering tomato plants can be time-intensive, especially if you have a large garden or several plants to manage.

Prone to sunscald - Removing too many leaves from a tomato plant can make its fruit more susceptible to sunscald, a condition where the fruit’s skin becomes damaged due to prolonged exposure to the sun.

So, is it Necessary to Sucker Tomato Plants?

It ultimately depends on personal preference and the growing conditions of your tomato plants. Suckering can result in larger fruit, better air and light circulation, and improved manageability, but it can also lead to a reduced yield and increased susceptibility to sunscald. If you have the time and patience to sucker your tomato plants, you may choose to do so to help your plants reach their maximum potential. However, if you prefer to let your tomatoes grow naturally, you may still be able to achieve a healthy and productive crop. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide what works best for your garden and your needs.

Conclusion

Suckering tomato plants is a personal decision that home gardeners must make based on their preferences and the growing conditions of their plants. While there are certainly benefits to suckering, it may not be necessary for everyone. If you do choose to sucker your tomato plants, be sure to follow proper technique to avoid damaging your plant’s health and yield.