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Tomato gardening is full of advice, tips, and long-standing traditions passed down from experienced growers. One of the most debated topics among gardeners is what to do with tomato suckers—the small shoots that grow between the main stem and branches of the plant.
For years, many gardeners have been told to remove these suckers to help the plant focus its energy on producing larger fruit. However, newer gardening insights suggest that this may not always be the best approach. In fact, in many cases, leaving tomato suckers on the plant—or managing them differently—can actually lead to healthier plants and a more productive harvest.
In this article, we explore what tomato suckers are, why removing them is not always necessary, and what you should be doing instead to help your tomato plants thrive.
What Are Tomato Suckers?
Tomato suckers are small shoots that grow in the “V” space between the main stem and a branch.
These shoots can develop into full stems, producing flowers and fruit if left to grow.
Gardeners often debate whether they are beneficial or harmful, but the truth depends on how you manage your plant and your growing conditions.
Why Gardeners Are Told to Remove Suckers
Traditionally, gardeners remove suckers for several reasons:
- To focus plant energy on fewer fruits
- To improve air circulation
- To prevent overcrowding
- To reduce disease risk
- To make plants easier to support and prune
This method is especially common in commercial farming, where controlling plant size is important.
Why You Shouldn’t Always Remove Them
While pruning suckers can be helpful in some cases, removing them all may not always benefit your plant.
Here’s why:
More Suckers Can Mean More Fruit
When suckers are left to grow, they can turn into additional fruit-bearing stems, increasing your overall harvest.
