How to Identify Suckers on a Tomato Plant

Tomato plants are a favorite among home gardeners, but they can be quite temperamental if not properly cared for. One of the most important aspects of tomato plant care is pruning, which involves removing parts of the plant that are not necessary for its growth or production. One such part of the tomato plant that needs pruning is the sucker. Knowing how to identify suckers on a tomato plant is crucial for its overall health and yield. In this article, we will discuss what suckers are, how to identify them, and why they need to be removed.

What Are Suckers?

Suckers are the small, new stems that sprout from the base of the tomato plant or from the point where the stem and a branch meet. They grow between the main stem and the branch and can often be mistaken for a new branch. However, unlike branches, suckers do not produce fruit and take energy away from the rest of the plant. This can cause a decrease in the size and quality of the fruit produced by the plant.

How to Identify Suckers?

The best time to identify suckers is when the plant is still small and new. Suckers can be identified as small protrusions that sprout from the main stem or branch. They can be easily recognized as they grow at a 45-degree angle and look completely different from the rest of the plant. Suckers usually appear in between the main stem and a branch, or at the point where two branches meet. They are usually soft to the touch and can be pinched off easily. It is important to identify and remove suckers before they grow too large and start to affect the health and yield of the plant.

Why Suckers Need to Be Removed?

Removing suckers from a tomato plant is important for several reasons. Firstly, suckers do not produce fruit and only serve to take away energy that the plant could use to produce more fruit. Secondly, suckers can become a breeding ground for pests and diseases, which can spread to the rest of the plant and the entire garden. Finally, removing suckers allows for better air circulation and light penetration, which are essential for the overall health of the plant.

Pruning is a vital part of tomato plant care, and removing suckers is an important aspect of pruning. By doing so, you can help your tomato plants grow healthier and yield more fruit.