
On the other hand, if your plant is in a humid environment (such as a greenhouse), remove everything below the first flower cluster to improve ventilation. They are important for helping to shade the ground until the plant matures. As for stems and leaves, not the suckers, growing below the first flower cluster: If you live in a warmer zone such as Zone 9, you should leave them on until they turn yellow.This should ideally be done when the shoot is young, supple, and about 3 inches (7.6 cm) long.To remove a sucker, grab a growing tip by the base between the thumb and forefinger and bend it back and forth until it snaps cleanly.X Research source This should ensure that the majority of the nutrients are sent to the fruits, instead of being wasted on the unwanted growing tips.

This keeps the plant strong by helping it grow a sturdy central stem.

Do this no matter what kind of tomato plant you have. Remove all suckers and their leaves below the first flower cluster.
