If you prune...

happychick · September 4, 2007

...how much more quickly can you expect the first tomatoes? I have a volunteer seedling that I want to plant, but it's a late start, so I want it to produce early, if at all possible. If pruning the suckers will help, I will probably have to do it.

Suze · September 4, 2007

I can't say I think pruning would help at all. Might even be counterproductive. Planting this late, you might want to consider putting the plant in a container so it could be more easily protected later in the season.

happychick · September 4, 2007

I am planning on putting it in a container. I have an extra recycle bin that looks perfect - already has drainage holes and everything.

Not beautiful, but functional...and what could be more appropriate than to reuse an extra recycle bin? lol If pruning won't matter, then I won't do it. Thanks!

Zana · September 6, 2007

Happychick,
I tried pruning about half of my varieties this year...and half of the plants in each. Some of them were in flower when I did it, some hadn't reached that point. And all were planted late...life got in the way this spring making it difficult to get anything sown early. Those plants that were pruned all set fruit before any of the other plants of the same variety that weren't pruned. They're catching up now, but initially that was the case. However, they seem to be stronger, sturdier and bushier plants now, than their non-pruned companions. All of mine are in containers too. So hope that helps. I'm not sure if was the only reason, but next year I'll try pruning from an earlier point to compare results...and take notes. LOL

September 4, 2007	#1
happychick Tomatovillian™ Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southeast Texas Posts: 37	If you prune... ...how much more quickly can you expect the first tomatoes? I have a volunteer seedling that I want to plant, but it's a late start, so I want it to produce early, if at all possible. If pruning the suckers will help, I will probably have to do it.

September 4, 2007	#2
Suze Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 3,027	I can't say I think pruning would help at all. Might even be counterproductive. Planting this late, you might want to consider putting the plant in a container so it could be more easily protected later in the season.

September 6, 2007	#4
Zana Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Southwestern Ontario, Canada Posts: 4,521	Happychick, I tried pruning about half of my varieties this year...and half of the plants in each. Some of them were in flower when I did it, some hadn't reached that point. And all were planted late...life got in the way this spring making it difficult to get anything sown early. Those plants that were pruned all set fruit before any of the other plants of the same variety that weren't pruned. They're catching up now, but initially that was the case. However, they seem to be stronger, sturdier and bushier plants now, than their non-pruned companions. All of mine are in containers too. So hope that helps. I'm not sure if was the only reason, but next year I'll try pruning from an earlier point to compare results...and take notes. LOL