Do you love growing your own tomatoes? Then you've probably come across the never-ending debate: to prune or not to prune suckers on tomato plants. It's a hot topic in gardening groups, and today, we'll look at both sides of the argument. By the end, you'll have a better understanding of whether pruning those pesky suckers is worth your time and effort. So let's get digging!

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What Are Tomato Suckers?

Before we dive into the pros and cons, let's clarify what tomato suckers are. Suckers are the small shoots that appear in the leaf axils of tomato plants—essentially, the spot where the leaf stem meets the main stem. They can grow into full-fledged branches, complete with their own leaves, flowers, and fruits.

But if left to grow, these suckers can also steal nutrients and energy from the main stem and affect overall plant growth and fruit production.

Reasons to Prune Suckers

Bigger, Better Tomatoes: One of the main arguments for pruning tomato suckers is that it results in bigger and better quality tomatoes. The reasoning behind this is that pruning allows the plant to focus its energy on producing larger fruits instead of supporting excessive foliage.
Improved Airflow and Sunlight Exposure: By removing suckers, you allow for better airflow between branches, which can help prevent the buildup of moisture and reduce the risk of fungal diseases, such as blight, which thrive in humid conditions. Pruning also allows for more sunlight to reach the lower parts of the plant, promoting better fruit ripening.
Easier Plant Management: With fewer branches and foliage, a pruned tomato plant is easier to manage. It’s simpler to spot pests, disease, and ripening fruit. It also makes staking and supporting the plant less cumbersome. This can be especially beneficial for indeterminate varieties that tend to grow tall and bushy.
Conserving Resources: In regions with limited water or nutrients, pruning can help ensure that the plant's resources are used more efficiently, focusing on fruit production rather than excessive foliage growth.

Reasons Not to Prune Suckers

Increased Yield: Allowing suckers to grow can lead to more tomatoes overall. Each sucker can develop into a branch that produces additional fruit clusters. This can be a significant advantage if you’re aiming for a high yield.
Less Labor-Intensive: Not pruning means less work for you. Gardening can be time-consuming, and skipping the pruning process can free up time for other tasks or simply to enjoy your garden.
Natural Growth: Some gardeners prefer to let their plants grow naturally, believing that this results in a healthier plant. They argue that the plant will regulate itself and produce a robust harvest without interference.
Shade for Fruits: In hot climates, the extra foliage from suckers can provide shade for the fruits, protecting them from sunscald. This is particularly relevant in areas with intense, direct sunlight.

RELATED: When to Pick Tomatoes: The Timing is Crucial for a Perfect Harvest

The Middle Ground: Semi-Pruning

As with most debates, there is a middle ground when it comes to pruning suckers on tomato plants. Many experienced gardeners suggest semi-pruning, which involves removing only the suckers that grow below the first flower cluster. This approach allows for some of the benefits of pruning, such as improved airflow and better quality fruits, while still maintaining a higher overall yield.

Does the Type of Tomato Plant Matter?

Yes, the type of tomato plant you’re growing can also influence whether you should prune suckers or not. Here are some general guidelines:

Determinate Tomatoes:

Growth Pattern: Determinate tomatoes, also known as bush tomatoes, grow to a fixed size and then stop. They tend to produce all their fruit over a short period.
Pruning Needs: Pruning suckers on determinate tomatoes is generally not recommended. Since these plants have a predetermined number of stems and fruit, removing suckers can reduce your overall yield. The suckers help to fill out the plant and contribute to its total fruit production.

Indeterminate Tomatoes:

Growth Pattern: Indeterminate tomatoes, or vine tomatoes, continue to grow and produce fruit throughout the growing season. They can reach substantial heights and require support.
Pruning Needs: Pruning suckers on indeterminate tomatoes can be beneficial. Removing suckers helps manage the plant’s size and directs more energy into producing larger, healthier fruits. This can improve air circulation and reduce disease risk, making it a common practice among gardeners growing indeterminate varieties.

Does Growing Zone or Climate Matter?

Yes, your growing zone and climate play a significant role in deciding whether to prune suckers. Here’s how:

Hot and Dry Climates: In these areas, extra foliage can protect fruits from sunburn and help retain soil moisture by providing shade. Pruning might not be as necessary, and in some cases, leaving suckers can be beneficial.
Humid and Wet Climates: Here, pruning suckers is often recommended to improve air circulation and reduce the risk of fungal diseases. The drier the plant stays, the healthier it will be.
Short Growing Seasons: In regions with a short growing season, pruning suckers can help focus the plant's energy on ripening fruit faster. This ensures you get a good harvest before the first frost.
Fertile and Well-Irrigated Areas: If you have rich soil and ample water, your plants can support more foliage and fruit, making pruning less critical. However, maintaining balance is still key to avoiding overcrowded plants.

How to Identify and Prune Suckers

To identify a sucker, look at the junction where a leaf branch meets the main stem. You’ll often see a small shoot emerging at a 45-degree angle. To prune:

Use clean, sharp pruning shears or your fingers to pinch off the sucker.
Do this early in the morning when the plant is hydrated.
Aim to remove suckers when they are small, about 2-4 inches long.
Avoid pruning suckers when the plant is under stress or during extreme heat as this can cause further stress and harm to the plant.

My Personal Approach

As a gardener in Zone 6b growing indeterminate Sungold Cherry Tomatoes, I've found that semi-pruning works best for my tomato plants. In this approach, I remove suckers only below the first flower cluster, allowing for a balance between increased airflow and fruit production. Additionally, I have set up a trellis to provide support for my tomato plants as they grow tall and strong. While monitoring my plants closely for any signs of pests or disease, I also keep an eye out for overcrowding and prune suckers as needed to maintain their health and productivity. It has been a successful method for me, resulting in a bountiful harvest of delicious cherry tomatoes.

RELATED: Yellow Leaves on Tomato Plants? Here's Why and How to Fix It.

To Prune or Not to Prune?

The decision to prune or not to prune suckers on your tomato plants ultimately comes down to your specific gardening goals, climate, and personal preference. Determinate and indeterminate tomatoes have different needs, and understanding your plant type is crucial.

There are compelling arguments on both sides, and many gardeners find success with both methods. Experimenting and observing what works best in your garden is key to achieving a bountiful tomato harvest.

What’s your take on this debate? Have you found a method that works best for you? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below and let's keep the conversation growing!