Tomato Sucker Identification and Removal: A Visual Guide

Only suckers—shoots emerging from the angle between main stem and leaf branch—should be removed. Never remove leaf branches or flower clusters.

How to Spot a Sucker

• Location: Leaf axil (crotch) where leaf meets main stem.
• Appearance: Small shoot with its own leaves, often pointing upward.
• Timing: Remove when 2–3 inches long—snap off with fingers.

Why Prune Suckers?

• Larger fruit on main stem.
• Better airflow = less disease.
• Easier staking/harvesting.
• Earlier ripening (less vegetative load).

Trade-Off

Unpruned = more total fruit but smaller, later, sprawling. Pruned = fewer, larger, earlier, manageable. Choose based on space and preference.

Champion Variety Note

'Champion' is a determinate (bush) type—minimal suckering needed. Focus on removing only shoots below first flower cluster.

Visual References

Search "tomato sucker identification" for diagrams from:

• Mississippi State Extension (is0560.pdf)
• Fine Gardening (taunton.com)
• Iowa State Extension (PM608.pdf)
• UNH Cooperative Extension