A quick task that takes just seconds can help redirect your plant’s energy into producing fewer, but far bigger and tastier, fruits. The trick lies in removing something known as “suckers”, which often go unnoticed by beginner gardeners.
These small shoots grow in the junction between the main stem and side branches and can quickly drain energy from the plant. Ignoring them can lead to smaller, less flavourful tomatoes despite a bushier, fuller-looking plant. According to a gardening expert from This Is My Garden, tomato plants can easily become overwhelmed if left to grow unchecked.
“Tomato plants require a tremendous amount of nutrients to grow, produce flowers and set their fruit,” the expert explains.
“And when a tomato plant is allowed to grow at will, it burns more energy than ever. So much so that with an overabundance of branches, flowers and fruit, it doesn’t have enough energy left to grow sizable tomatoes.
“Even worse, it also has more issues developing the flavor of the tomatoes it produces.”
Removing suckers allows the plant to focus its efforts where it matters most: on producing high-quality fruit.
“By removing suckers, the plant doesn’t have to maintain or expend energy on growing excess foliage,” the expert continues.
“And with less foliage, there will also be fewer flowers and fruit to develop as well. Because of that, all of the extra energy can instead go to producing bigger, more flavourful tomatoes.”
This energy shift can be especially important for indeterminate varieties, which grow continuously throughout the season.
Fewer offshoots mean stronger vines, better air circulation, and a more manageable plant overall.
Best of all, the method is as easy as it is effective. “The good news? Removing tomato suckers is so easy to do,” the expert adds.
“There is no need for fancy pruners. All you need to do is pinch them off with your fingernails as they develop. In a matter of a few seconds, you can help to keep your plant under control all summer long.”
So, if you’re after a richer, more rewarding tomato harvest, a few quick pinches here and there could be the secret to your tastiest crop yet.