Piching tomatoes

sweet pea Sarah · April 2022

Hi
i pinch out the side shoots on my tomatoes but can I pinch out the top as they are looking a bit leggy and I’d like them to fill out a bit more before they get any bigger.They are roughly 18 inches tall and are all plants that have large tomatoes,beefsteaks etc.
thanks in advance.

Busy-Lizzie · April 2022

If they are cordon type tomatoes, not bush ones, then it isn't a good idea to pinch out the tips, they will just make more side shoots. They will be fine and will grow stronger. When you plant them you can pinch out the bottom two leaves and plant them deep. They will grow more roots from their stems.

Fairygirl · April 2022

You pinch out the top once they've reached a big enough height to give around 6 trusses of fruits.
Are they getting enough light? That's the usual reason for them being leggy, along with being sown too early, which is often the reason for lack of light anyway.
As @Busy-Lizzie says though - when you pot them on, just bury them deeper to help with stability, and to gain more root

sweet pea Sarah · April 2022

Thank you for your advice.

alexryzawlskiqBU-X4OF · May 2022

I agree with the above. Ive never come across a bush beefsteak

Dovefromabove · May 2022

Some of the larger beefsteak and oxheart heritage varieties do tend to have a bit less foliage and be a bit more ‘gangly’ than other types. They need a bit more support. 😊

Piching tomatoes

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