There are many types of vegetables that require shaping during their growth. This practice is primarily implemented to maintain the health of the plants, but it also ensures that they produce well-formed and large fruits. By shaping plants properly, gardeners can prevent diseases and pests, improve fruit quality, and even recover plants if problems arise. We have shared many tips and techniques on this topic, and we hope they have helped you cultivate healthy and productive plants.
We have worked hard to bring you timely advice, and we hope you have found it useful.
However, the process of maintaining high-quality tomato fruits does not end here. There are still crucial steps to be taken to ensure that tomato plants continue producing large and healthy fruits until the end of the growing season. One such practice is cutting off the tops of the plants, a technique known as decapitation. This method halts vertical growth and redirects the plant’s energy towards fruit development and ripening.
Decapitation is performed once the plant has developed a sufficient number of reproductive branches. Using a sharp knife or scissors, the top of the plant is removed just above the last flower branch that you wish to keep. It is important to leave two to three leaves above this branch to support healthy fruit development.
Not all tomato cultivars require decapitation. Some varieties respond by producing excessive side shoots, known as suckers, which must be removed through a process called pinching. People often confuse pinching with decapitation, but they are distinct practices. Pinching involves the removal of young side shoots (suckers) that typically grow between the main stem and the leaf. These shoots, usually 5 to 10 cm in length, should be removed weekly during the plant’s active growth phase to prevent them from overtaking the central stem.
Pinching is essential because it helps the plant channel nutrients directly to fruit-bearing branches, promoting better fruit formation and overall plant health. To remove suckers, gently move them sideways until they snap off. If the shoot is older or thicker, using scissors or a knife is recommended to avoid damaging the main stem.
Interestingly, some of these suckers, particularly those growing near the base of the plant, can be used to propagate new seedlings. By allowing them to root, you can cultivate fresh tomato plants, extending your harvest.
Tomatoes are among the many vegetable crops that require shaping. Without proper pruning, tomato plants can become an overgrown mass of small, poorly developed fruits that are vulnerable to diseases and pests. When shaping a tomato plant, it is crucial to identify the main branch that bears flowers and fruits. Suckers grow between the main stem and the leaves, and these must be carefully removed to ensure healthy plant development.
Another critical step in maintaining healthy tomato plants is removing lower leaves. This practice improves air circulation at the base of the plant, reducing the risk of fungal diseases such as downy mildew. When all the fruits on the first bearing branch reach their characteristic shape or ripen, remove the leaves below that branch. This process should be repeated for each fruit-bearing branch as the tomatoes ripen. If you want more details, we have a separate video on this topic.
It is crucial to carry out this leaf removal regularly. As fruits ripen, the leaves surrounding them no longer contribute significantly to the plant’s photosynthesis and can be safely removed. This practice is especially effective if you are using foliar feeding methods, which provide essential nutrients directly to the plant through its leaves during the summer months.
When removing leaves, start with three to four leaves at a time and repeat the process when necessary. Ultimately, once the plant reaches a certain height, its top should be cut off. This step halts further growth, redirecting the plant’s energy toward fruit development. Ideally, decapitation should be performed after the fifth or sixth flower cluster. However, depending on your local climate conditions, you may choose to leave a few additional layers if you believe the fruits will have enough time to ripen before colder temperatures arrive.
If you choose not to decapitate the plant, it will continue growing past the support structure and may even bend back towards the ground. While this will result in a larger number of smaller fruits, decapitation ensures that the remaining fruits grow larger and healthier. The choice depends on your gardening goals, but in any case, maintaining plant health until the end of the growing season should be a priority.
Reducing leaf mass also minimizes the risk of diseases and pests. If any disease or pest infestation occurs, remember that their spores and larvae can remain in the soil, posing a threat to future crops. Besides tomatoes, other vegetables such as peppers, eggplants, zucchinis, watermelons, melons, and cucumbers also benefit from shaping. This practice is even more critical for vining plants since it encourages the production of more female flowers on side branches, ultimately increasing fruit yield.
For these crops, decapitation promotes the formation of necessary side branches, leading to more fruits. We have chosen to cut our tomato plants at a height above the sixth flower cluster. In our region, temperatures begin to drop early, making it difficult to extend the growing season without a heated greenhouse. Additionally, to ensure a steady supply of fresh vegetables during winter, we need to clear space in our greenhouse by September to cultivate lettuce, onions, and other leafy greens.
Growing a diverse range of vegetables throughout the year is crucial for maintaining a healthy diet, especially during colder months. We believe that, despite this year’s challenging weather conditions, many of you have successfully cultivated vegetables and preserved some for winter consumption.
We will continue to explore new gardening techniques and share the most effective methods with you. Our goal is to help you grow healthy, high-quality fruits and vegetables throughout the year. Stay with us, and let’s cultivate success together!
