Tomato suckers, or side shoots , are small shoots that grow from the point between a branch and the main stem of the plant (also called the axil). If left unattended, they will eventually grow into branches that produce leaves and fruit, resulting in a bushy tomato plant. However, unruly tomato plants are difficult to manage.
You may be wondering “What do tomato plant suckers look like?”
Let us find out! the short answer to this is a tomato sucker is a smallish shoot that grows out of the joint where a branch on the tomato plant meets a stem. These small shoots will grow into a full sized branch if left alone, which results in a bushier, more sprawling tomato plant.
This is what my research found. If tomato suckers are left untouched , they will then grow into much larger branches, which in turn become sprawling, bushy tomato plants. This is one of the main reasons why it is so common to remove tomato suckers, as many owners do not like this growth. Eventually, they will even start growing their own fruit.
What tomato plants look like?
What it looks like: The tomato plants look fine , they bloom according to schedule, and ripe red tomatoes are ready for harvest. When the tomato is sliced, the interior has large, open spaces and not much fruit inside. Tomatoes may feel light when harvested. The exterior of the tomato may have an angular, square-sided look .
What does a tomato leaf look like?
Tomato leaves are compound with multiple leaflets growing along a common stem, called a rachis . Touch the leaf and feel a slight fuzziness, which is caused by the trichomes, or multi-cellular hairs, on the plant.
Another thing we asked ourselves was; how to identify a planted tomato plant?
One source stated that plant identification may be a challenge when there is no distinct flower or young tomatoes emerging on the greenery. Notice that the leaves on the tomato plant are 10 inches long on an average stem. Small leaflets are three inches long.
Tomatoes are one of the most common plants in a garden. Plant identification may be a challenge when there is no distinct flower or young tomatoes emerging on the greenery. Tomato plants have similarities to some weeds and wild tomato plants.
Another thing we wanted the answer to was what are the similarities between tomatoes and weeds?
One way to think about this is Tomato plants have similarities to some weeds and wild tomato plants . When pulling weeds from the garden or purchasing seedlings in a greenhouse, it is helpful to know how to identify the true tomato plant leaf.
Should I prune tomato suckers?
Pruning tomato suckers are sometimes recommended because the resulting new stem is competing for nutrients with the original plant. You may be setting more fruits if you leave the suckers to grow , but the fruits will be smaller and the plant will be more cumbersome. Pruning tomato suckers are really just thinning the plants.
Rooting tomato suckers is a great option for propagating multiple plants from one original mother plant. Choose a healthy 6-inch sucker. These are the best sized tomato suckers for rooting.
But, there are pros and cons to the practice of pruning tomato plant suckers, so research the benefits and problems before you start taking tomato suckers off your plant . Many plants have these secondary stems, but most need to have the branch above the sucker removed before the sucker is triggered by the plant to grow.
How do you shear a 6 inch tomato plant?
Shear a 6 inch sucker. This is the ideal length for rooting a new tomato plant. You can find healthy suckers of this size between a main production stem and a leaf. Place the shears at the base of the sucker, against the main stem. Cut it cleanly and firmly, then use a knife to cut the bottom of the sucker at a 45 degree angle.