How to prune tomato trees? Time and method for pruning branches and leaves

When to prune tomato trees

Tomato trees can be pruned three times a year. It is important to choose the appropriate pruning time. Generally, you can pinch the tomato trees during their seedling stage. Appropriate pruning is also required during their vigorous growth period and flowering and fruiting period to help the tomato plants save nutrients and grow more vigorously.

How to prune a tomato tree

1. Prune branches and leaves

If tomatoes are found to have yellowed, weak branches and leaves during their growth period, they need to be pruned in time to reduce nutrient consumption. When pruning, just cut them from the base of the yellowed branches and leaves. Timely pruning can also improve internal ventilation and light transmittance, which is very beneficial to overall growth.

2. Topping and pinching

When tomatoes grow to 50-60 cm in height, they must be topped in time to control their height. The topping method is very simple. Just remove the growth point at the top. Be careful to leave 2-3 leaves at the top of the fruit cluster. Timely topping can control its height and save nutrients, which is beneficial to later flowering and fruiting.

3. Timely pruning

Tomatoes will inevitably grow branches during their growth period, which need to be pruned in time. These branches will not only prevent them from blooming and bearing fruit normally, but will also consume a large amount of nutrients and affect fruit growth. Note that pruning must be done on a sunny day, otherwise the wound will easily become infected.

4. Pruning

Tomatoes can also be pruned using the single-trunk pruning method, which is to leave a main trunk on the tomato and cut off all other side branches. This method is suitable for densely planted and early-maturing tomato varieties. Double-trunk pruning can also be used. In addition to leaving a main trunk, another side branch can be selected as the second main trunk. Only when the main trunk is strong can it bloom and bear fruit better.