What are Tomato Plant Suckers and How to Identify Them
Introduction
If you’re new to gardening, you may have heard the term “tomato plant suckers” and wondered what they are. Suckers are small shoots that grow out of the joint where a branch meets the main stem of a tomato plant. If left alone, these suckers will grow into full-sized branches, resulting in a bushier, more sprawling tomato plant.
What is a Sucker on a Tomato Plant?
A tomato plant sucker is a small, secondary stem that grows from the axil of a leaf or branch. Axils are the points where leaves or branches meet the main stem. Suckers are triggered to grow when the plant is pruned or damaged.
How to Identify Suckers on a Tomato Plant
Suckers are typically thin and spindly, and they grow at a 45-degree angle from the main stem. They are usually located in the axils of leaves or branches, and they can be easily removed by pinching them off with your fingers.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Removing Tomato Suckers
There are both benefits and drawbacks to removing tomato suckers.
Benefits:
- Removing suckers can help to improve air circulation around the plant, which can reduce the risk of disease.
- It can also help to increase fruit production by directing the plant’s energy towards fruit production rather than vegetative growth.
- Pruning suckers can make it easier to trellis or stake tomato plants.
Drawbacks:
- Removing suckers can reduce the plant’s overall size, which can make it more susceptible to wind damage.
- It can also delay fruit production, as the plant will need to focus on regrowing the suckers that were removed.
How to Prune Tomato Plant Suckers
If you decide to remove tomato suckers, it is important to do so carefully. Use sharp, clean pruning shears to cut the suckers off as close to the main stem as possible. Avoid damaging the main stem or the leaves.
When to Prune Tomato Plant Suckers
The best time to prune tomato plant suckers is when they are small and easy to remove. This is usually when they are about 2-3 inches long.
Conclusion
Whether or not to remove tomato plant suckers is a matter of personal preference. There are both benefits and drawbacks to doing so, so it is important to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision. If you do decide to remove suckers, be sure to do so carefully and at the right time.
Tips for Pruning Tomato Plant Suckers
- Use sharp, clean pruning shears.
- Cut the suckers off as close to the main stem as possible.
- Avoid damaging the main stem or the leaves.
- Prune suckers when they are small and easy to remove.
- Remove suckers regularly throughout the growing season.
Additional Information
- Removing tomato plant suckers is not necessary for the plant to produce fruit.
- Some gardeners believe that removing suckers can actually improve fruit production.
- Other gardeners believe that removing suckers can weaken the plant and make it more susceptible to disease.
- Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to remove tomato plant suckers is up to the individual gardener.
