Do All Tomatoes Need Pinching Out?

No — not all tomatoes need pinching out, and doing it to the wrong type can actually reduce your harvest. Whether you should pinch out side shoots depends entirely on the type of tomato plant you are growing. Understanding this one distinction prevents one of the most common tomato-growing mistakes.

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This guide explains clearly which tomatoes need pinching out, which ones don’t, and why it matters so much for yields.

What Does Pinching Out Mean?

Pinching out refers to removing side shoots (also called suckers) that grow between the main stem and a leaf joint, forming a “V” shape.

• These shoots can grow into full stems
• They compete for energy, water, and nutrients
• On some tomatoes they reduce yields
• On others, they produce the fruit

That’s why pinching must be done correctly.

Tomatoes That DO Need Pinching Out

Cordon (Indeterminate) Tomatoes – YES

These tomatoes must be pinched out regularly.

Why:

• They grow tall and continuously
• Fruit forms on the main stem
• Side shoots divert energy away from fruiting

If you don’t pinch them out:

• Plants become too bushy
• Fewer flowers form
• Tomatoes are smaller
• Airflow is reduced
• Disease risk increases

Common cordon tomatoes:

• Most greenhouse tomatoes
• Many allotment varieties
• Tomatoes grown up canes or strings

👉 Pinch out side shoots weekly while they are small.

Tomatoes That DO NOT Need Pinching Out

Bush (Determinate) Tomatoes – NO

Bush tomatoes should not be pinched out.

Why:

• They grow to a fixed height
• Flowers and fruit grow on side shoots
• Removing shoots removes future tomatoes

If you pinch them out:

• You reduce the number of flowers
• You reduce the number of fruits
• You lower overall yield

Common bush tomatoes:

• Patio tomatoes
• Container varieties
• Many tumbling and trailing tomatoes

👉 Only remove damaged or soil-touching leaves, not side shoots.

What About Semi-Determinate Tomatoes?

Semi-Determinate Tomatoes – LIMITED PINCHING

These sit between bush and cordon types.

Best approach:

• Remove only the lowest side shoots if overcrowded
• Do not fully strip the plant
• Focus on airflow, not heavy pruning

Always check the seed packet if unsure.

How to Tell Which Type You Have

If you’re not sure what type of tomato you’re growing, look for these clues:

Cordon tomatoes:

• Grow tall quickly
• Need tying in
• Produce a single main stem

Bush tomatoes:

• Stay compact
• Spread outward
• Often labelled “bush”, “patio”, or “determinate”

When in doubt, don’t pinch until you’re certain.

Common Mistakes Gardeners Make

Avoid these very common errors:

• Pinching out all tomatoes “just in case”
• Treating bush tomatoes like cordons
• Letting side shoots grow too large before removing
• Confusing flower trusses with side shoots

👉 Rule to remember:
Pinch cordons. Leave bush tomatoes alone.

When to Pinch Out Side Shoots (If Needed)

For cordon tomatoes only:

• Start early
• Pinch shoots at 2–5cm long
• Check plants once or twice a week
• Use fingers, not tools, when possible

Small removals heal fast and cause no stress.

Final Thoughts

So, do all tomatoes need pinching out? Absolutely not.
Only cordon (indeterminate) tomatoes benefit from regular side shoot removal. Bush (determinate) tomatoes should be left alone, as their side shoots carry the fruit.

Knowing the difference between tomato types is one of the simplest ways to avoid lost harvests and grow healthier, more productive plants.

Pinch the right plants — and leave the others to do what they do best.