Late July is the ideal time for a simple 10-second task that can significantly boost tomato size and ripening speed. Gardeners who remove suckers—small shoots growing between the main stem and branches—will redirect the plant's energy toward fruit production, yielding plumper, heavier tomatoes.
Why Removing Suckers Works
Suckers are natural offshoots that can develop into additional flowering stems, potentially increasing the number of tomatoes. However, they also compete for nutrients and water, diverting resources away from existing fruit. Linda Ly, founder of Garden Betty, explains: "Cutting off the suckers does contribute to bigger tomatoes. You'll get fewer fruits overall since you'll have fewer branches, but the fruits your plant produces will grow larger."
By removing these side shoots, the plant concentrates its energy on the remaining fruit, leading to faster ripening and more intense flavour. In the UK, where the growing season is relatively short, this practice is especially beneficial for ensuring a rich harvest before autumn.
How to Identify and Remove Suckers
A sucker appears as a small leafy shoot emerging from the leaf joint (the angle between the main stem and a leaf branch). It is distinct from a flower truss, which grows on the main stem and bears flowers or developing tomatoes. To remove a sucker, simply pinch it gently between thumb and finger until it snaps off—a process that takes just a few seconds. If suckers have been allowed to grow larger, use scissors or secateurs to cut as close to the main stem as possible without damaging the plant.
Impact on Harvest
While pruning reduces the total number of fruits, it increases individual fruit size and accelerates ripening. Ly adds: "That's because removing the side shoots reduces the competition for nutrients and focuses the plant's energy on producing larger fruits." For gardeners seeking a bountiful crop of sweet, flavourful tomatoes, this quick July task is a proven method to maximise quality.
