Pruning Tomato Suckers for Better Yields and Disease Prevention

What Are Suckers?

Suckers are the shoots that emerge in the axil between the main stem and a leaf branch. If left, they become additional stems with their own flowers and fruit.

Why Remove Them?

• Larger fruit: Energy goes to the main stem’s tomatoes.
• Better air flow: Reduces humidity and fungal diseases (early blight, septoria).
• Manageable size: Prevents sprawling, especially in cages or containers.

How to Prune

1. Identify the sucker at the “V” between main stem and leaf branch.
2. When 2–3 inches long, snap it off with fingers (clean break, less disease risk than cutting).
3. Do not remove the main growing tip or flower clusters.

Watering Note

Daily watering encourages shallow roots. Water deeply once or twice a week instead.

Resources

Visual guides: MSU Extension, Fine Gardening, Iowa State.