What's the best way to prune tomatoes?
Written by
Julia Anderson
Reviewed by
Prof. Samuel Fitzgerald, Ph.D.Pruning tomatoes it is important to know the type of each plant. Determinate varieties develop into compact bushes that bear fruit once. If you prune determinate plants it will reduce your yield potential. Indeterminate varieties grow as a vine without end, so strategic pruning of the plant allows natural energy to be channeled into fruit. I found this to be the case after I pruned my ‘Roma' to sticks.
Tool Kit
- Bypass pruners: Clean cuts without crushing stems
- Rubbing alcohol: Disinfect blades between plants
- Velcro ties: Secure vines without damaging stems
Pruning Perks
- Disease prevention: Improves airflow around leaves
- Larger fruits: Redirects energy to fewer clusters
- Earlier harvests: Speeds ripening by 7-10 days
Safeguard suckers early; these are the offshoots propagating from the primary stems to the plant stem or branches. Pinch them out while they are under 3 inches to avoid damaging the plants. My ‘Cherokee Purple' produced 12 lbs/plant when I pruned them regularly. Always prune a sucker to just above a leaf node or stunted foliage as it will shed rainwater, prune to a 45-degree angle.
Spring Start
- Remove lower leaves: Prevent soil-borne diseases
- Stake early: Guide vertical growth patterns
- Pinch flowers: Delay fruiting for stronger roots
Summer Maintenance
- Trim yellow leaves: Boost air circulation
- Top plants: 4 weeks before frost for ripening
- Thin clusters: Keep 4-5 fruits per truss
Pruning plants too much will come at a cost. As a general rule, carry at least three main stems on indeterminates. For a container plant, you may prune a little more deeply, I find that my potted ‘Sweet 100' cherry tomato can take a once-a-week pruning. You can gauge your pruning by leaf color; a deep green indicates the balance is right, while a lighter green indicates you have committed too much. Your shears will shape both the plants and the harvest.
Read the full article: How to Grow Tomatoes: Complete Beginner's Guide
