Wondering whether to remove suckers from your tomato plants? Not sure when or how to do it correctly? This guide covers everything you need to know, from identifying suckers to what to do with them after cutting. Follow these steps for healthy plants!
How to Recognize Suckers on Tomato Plants?
Suckers, also known as side shoots, develop at the junction of the leaves and the main stem of the tomato plant. These shoots do not produce flowers and can drain the plant’s energy, hindering its overall growth. It’s common for gardeners to regularly prune suckers to maintain plant health.
Should We Remove Suckers from Tomatoes?
There are two main approaches: some gardeners advocate for removing suckers, while others prefer to let their plants grow naturally.
- Removing Suckers: Many gardeners opt to prune suckers to prevent them from exhausting the plant. This encourages the production of larger, juicier fruits and improves air circulation, which is vital for growth and disease prevention.
- Keeping Suckers: Certain varieties, like cherry tomatoes and determinate tomatoes, do not require pruning. These types ripen quickly and produce a brief but plentiful harvest. Indeterminate tomatoes, on the other hand, benefit from regular pruning due to their vigorous growth.
When and How to Remove Tomato Suckers?
Pruning should typically begin one month after planting and continue until the fruits are fully harvested. Regular checks on your plants are essential, as suckers grow continuously and can weaken the plant over time.
- Optimal Conditions: Remove suckers on sunny days to promote healing. It generally takes about three days of sun for cuts to heal completely.
How to Remove Suckers:
- Use Clean Tools: Use disinfected, sharp scissors or pruning shears for a clean cut.
- Cut Carefully: Gently cut the suckers to avoid damaging the main stem. You can also pinch them off with your fingers, but cutting is often cleaner.
- Remove Ground-Touching Leaves: Also consider removing any leaves touching the ground to prevent mildew.
What to Do with Cut Suckers?
After removing the suckers, you have several options:
- Composting: You can compost the cut suckers or dispose of them in green waste.
- Replanting: If the suckers are large enough, you can replant them!
Replanting Steps:
- Prepare the Suckers: Detach the lower leaves from the suckers.
- Planting: Make holes in the soil and insert the young plants to a depth of 10 to 15 cm.
- Watering: If the soil is damp, no extra watering is needed. If it’s dry, water the bottom of the hole.
- Mulch: Apply a layer of straw mulch around the base.
Your cuttings should root within a week, and you can expect the first tomatoes in about 4 to 6 weeks.
By following these guidelines, you’ll ensure your tomato plants remain healthy and productive. Happy gardening!
