Transplanting Tall Tomato Starts: Deep Planting and Sucker Management

Deep Planting Works

Bury stem to top 4–6" of leaves. Buried nodes become roots → stronger plant. No need to restart.

Critical Steps

• Check rootball: If rootbound, slice vertically 4× to spread.
• Stake/cage immediately—tall plants topple.
• Remove suckers (side shoots at leaf axils) when 2" long.
• Single-stem = larger fruit, better air, less disease.

Sucker Identification Resources

Links to university guides with photos (MSU, UNH, Iowa State, Taunton).

Blooms on Transplants

Pinch off first flower cluster to direct energy to roots. Next flush will set better fruit.