How to Prune Tomato Suckers
Prune tomato suckers mainly on indeterminate tomatoes to keep plants manageable and improve airflow around the stems. Remove small suckers early by pinching them out, but leave determinate tomatoes mostly unpruned because heavy pruning can reduce their total yield.
A tomato sucker is a new shoot that forms in the angle between a main stem and a leaf branch. If left in place, it can become a full stem with leaves, flowers, and fruit. Suckers are normal growth, not a sign of disease or a required target for removal.
Indeterminate varieties continue growing and producing through the season, so selective sucker pruning is useful when plants are staked, trellised, or grown in a limited space. Determinate varieties produce much of their crop over a more concentrated period. Avoid removing many of their suckers, particularly below the first flower cluster, unless removing damaged growth.
Inspect plants weekly once vigorous growth begins. Pinch off small suckers with clean fingers when they are only a few inches long. For larger shoots, use clean, sharp pruners and make a neat cut without tearing the main stem.
Choose a training system before pruning. A single-stem or two-stem system works well for many indeterminate plants on tall stakes or sturdy trellises, while a cage can support more natural branching. Do not remove every leaf, because foliage shades fruit and supports plant growth.
Also remove leaves that touch the soil or are clearly yellowing, damaged, or diseased, placing them in the trash rather than leaving them in the bed. Keep tools clean, especially when moving between plants. Avoid pruning when foliage is wet, since handling wet plants can spread some diseases.
Do not overprune during hot, sunny weather. Fruit exposed suddenly to intense sun can be damaged, and a plant needs ample leaves to support its crop. Combine modest pruning with proper spacing, regular deep watering at the soil level, mulch, and support for the best air movement and plant stability.
Frequently asked questions
Should I remove all tomato suckers?
No. Remove selected suckers on indeterminate plants if you want a simpler, more manageable structure. Leave most suckers on determinate tomatoes.
Where is a tomato sucker located?
It grows in the joint between the main stem and a leaf branch. It begins as a small shoot in that V-shaped angle.
Can I prune tomato plants when they are wet?
It is better to wait until foliage is dry. Dry conditions reduce the chance of spreading disease while handling plants.
General guidance for US home gardens. Conditions vary by region and season; check with your local Cooperative Extension office for site-specific advice. Page updated Aug 4, 2026.