Q&A: Should I prune the suckers from my tomato plants?
Can you guess the answer already? Say it with me now, “It depends!”
Tomato suckers are those little side shoots that emerge between the main stem and the leaves of your tomato plant — the area some people call the “armpit.” They will quickly turn into long branches that produce more leaves, fruit, and suckers of their own. If left unpruned in the right growing conditions, one tomato plant could easily reach 8 feet tall AND 8 feet wide. You’ll hear passionate arguments for and against suckers in gardening books, from your grandad, and on the internet, but we’re here to argue you don’t have to take a side in the Great Tomato Sucker Debate.
Instead of hard and fast rules, we suggest you consider your own goals, your growing conditions, and the variety of tomatoes you have planted to determine if you should prune or not. We also recommend experimenting with each method to see what works for you. Try pruning the suckers from one plant and leaving the other — see which method you prefer, and give it a go again next year!
The Case for Pruning
Okay, so some folks are all about snipping those suckers off. Why? Well, they argue that by removing these little side shoots, you're redirecting the plant's energy to where it really matters: the production of big, juicy tomatoes. Plus, pruning can help improve airflow around the plant, keeping diseases at bay and promoting overall plant health. It's like giving your tomatoes a VIP treatment, ensuring they have all the resources they need to thrive
The Case Against Pruning
But hold on a sec, because not everyone's on board the pruning train. Some gardeners swear by leaving those suckers alone, claiming they're actually the key to a bumper crop. You see, those little shoots have the potential to grow into full-blown fruit-bearing branches, adding more tomatoes to the mix. They argue that those extra leaves provide some much-needed shade for your precious fruits, protecting them from scorching sun and other harsh elements.
So what’s the right answer?
The right answer depends on what you want with your tomato crop.
Harvest goals: Are you looking to harvest BIG tomatoes? Consider pruning the suckers. On the other hand, If you’d rather have A LOT of tomatoes and don’t mind them being a bit smaller, let the suckers grow.
Tomato Varieties: Have your planted several different varieties in limited space? Pruning the sprawling vines will keep them smaller so that you can pack more plants into your garden space.
Your climate and weather: If you are in a humid climate (hello Middle Tennessee!) or have been getting a lot of rain, pruning out suckers might be the best call. This will allow leaves to dry more quickly and reduce the chance of a fungal disease taking down your tomatoes. Keep in mind, if you fall behind on your upkeep, you can remove more stems and leaves as the season goes on. That said, any leaves with spots or mildew should be removed immediately.
Time available: If you don’t want to bother keeping up with pruning (suckers can appear daily), you might go hands-off, but know that leaving suckers on can require more management. They need to be tied up to keep them from tangling or taking over your garden. They will also produce a lot of tomatoes and you’ll have an abundant harvest to keep up with. Perhaps the question is: which chore would you rather spend your garden time on?
Aesthetics: Pruning produces a tidier look. But, if you like your garden wild, you might be in the “Save the Suckers” camp.
Experimentation is Key
At the end of the day, the best way to find out what works for you is through good old-fashioned trial and error. So, roll up your sleeves, grab your pruning shears (or not), and play mad scientist in your tomato patch. Take notes, observe your plants, and don't be afraid to mix things up until you find what works best for your gardening style. Embrace the uncertainty, embrace the diversity of opinions, and most importantly, embrace the joy of growing your own tomatoes.
