How to Pinch Out Side Shoots on Tomatoes
Pinching out side shoots on tomatoes is one of the most important jobs for keeping plants productive, tidy, and high yielding. Side shoots may look harmless, but if left unchecked they divert energy away from flowers and fruit, resulting in lots of leafy growth and fewer tomatoes. Done correctly, pinching out side shoots focuses the plant’s energy where it matters most.
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This guide explains exactly how to pinch out side shoots on tomatoes, when to do it, which plants need it, and the mistakes to avoid.
What Are Tomato Side Shoots?
Side shoots (also called suckers) grow in the joint between the main stem and a leaf branch — forming a clear “V” shape.
- They are not flowers
- They grow rapidly
- If left, they become full stems that compete with the main plant
On cordon tomatoes, side shoots should be removed regularly.
Which Tomato Plants Need Side Shoots Removing?
Cordon (Indeterminate) Tomatoes – YES
These tomatoes must have side shoots pinched out.
- Grow tall and continuously
- Produce fruit on the main stem
- Side shoots reduce yield and airflow
Most greenhouse and allotment tomatoes fall into this group.
Bush (Determinate) Tomatoes – NO
Bush tomatoes should not have side shoots removed.
- Fruit forms on side shoots
- Removing them reduces harvests
- Plants naturally stop growing taller
Always check the variety before pinching.
When to Pinch Out Side Shoots
Timing is critical.
- Start when plants are young
- Pinch side shoots when they are 2–5cm long
- Check plants once or twice a week
Small side shoots snap off easily and heal quickly. Leaving them too long makes removal harder and stresses the plant.
How to Pinch Out Side Shoots (Step by Step)
- Locate the side shoot in the leaf joint
- Hold the main stem steady
- Pinch the side shoot between finger and thumb
- Snap it cleanly away from the stem
No tools are needed when shoots are small.
Should You Use Scissors or Fingers?
- Fingers – best for small, soft side shoots
- Scissors or secateurs – only if shoots are large
If using tools:
- Ensure they are clean
- Make a clean cut
- Avoid tearing the stem
Clean removal reduces disease risk.
How Often Should You Pinch Side Shoots?
Tomatoes grow fast in warm weather.
- Check plants weekly
- In peak summer, check twice a week
- Never let side shoots grow unchecked
Regular pinching prevents plants becoming bushy and unmanageable.
What Happens If You Don’t Remove Side Shoots?
Leaving side shoots results in:
- Too much leafy growth
- Fewer flowers
- Smaller tomatoes
- Poor airflow
- Increased disease risk
The plant spreads its energy too thinly instead of producing fruit.
What If a Side Shoot Gets Too Big?
If a side shoot has already grown large:
- Remove it gradually if possible
- Avoid removing several large shoots at once
- Support the plant afterwards
Large removals can shock the plant, so prevention is always better.
Pinching Side Shoots in Pots and Grow Bags
Side shoot removal is even more important in containers.
- Limited nutrients and space
- Side shoots quickly reduce yields
- Plants become overcrowded faster
Regular pinching keeps container tomatoes productive and balanced.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these common errors:
- Pinching bush tomato varieties
- Waiting too long to remove shoots
- Removing too many shoots at once
- Confusing flower trusses with side shoots
- Pinching when plants are wet
Flower trusses grow straight out, side shoots grow upwards at an angle — learning the difference is crucial.
Best Time of Day to Pinch Out Side Shoots
- Morning or early evening
- Dry conditions
- Avoid hot midday sun
This reduces stress and helps wounds heal quickly.
When to Stop Pinching Side Shoots
Stop when:
- Plants are topped at the end of the season
- Growth naturally slows
- No new side shoots are forming
Late in the season, energy should go into ripening fruit, not new growth.
Final Thoughts
Pinching out side shoots on tomatoes is a simple task that makes a huge difference to plant health and yields. By removing side shoots early and regularly on cordon tomatoes, you direct the plant’s energy into producing flowers and fruit rather than excess foliage.
Check plants often, pinch while shoots are small, and always know which type of tomato you’re growing. Done right, this one job can dramatically improve your tomato harvest.