Growing Methods

Pinching Tomato Side Shoots

Side shoots sap energy. Here is how to channel it into the fruit.

⏱ 3 min read Updated: 2026-06-06
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What are side shoots?

The shoots growing in the leaf axils between the main stem and a leaf. On cordon tomatoes they are removed to keep the plant single-stemmed and put more energy into the fruit.

How to

  1. Check weekly while the shoots are small (3–5 cm).
  2. Pinch them out sideways with clean fingers, in the morning in dry weather.
  3. Cut larger shoots with clean scissors.
  4. Do not pinch bush (determinate) tomatoes.