Pinching out the tops (toms)

[sternyboy]

Does anyone pinch out the top of tomato plants to stop them grow upwards? ANd if so, what height would you do it at?

I'd never heard of this before and never had any trouble but its something someone says is a must for growing decent toms

[veggiechicken]

This might help you http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...-plants-2.html

[sternyboy]

Thats just what I was after, perfect thanks

[jacob]

It's quite early. I don't pinch tops out until late August.

[Potstubsdustbins]

My cordon toms are at 6 trusses so have been pinched out this week, after all we wouldn't want them going through the GH roof.

Colin

[greenfingers23]

I pinch out after 5 or 6 trusses.

GF

[jacob]

My cordon toms are at 6 trusses so have been pinched out this week, after all we wouldn't want them going through the GH roof.

Colin

Mine actually did this a couple of years ago!

[Rhona]

I pinched out the first top yesterday - at 6 trusses and about 5 ft tall.

[redser]

Sorry if it sounds like I'm repeating questions. I sowed early so my plants have 6 trusses now. But are only about 4 or 5 foot tall. So there is lots of growing room above them. Lots of fruit set on them. So should I let them grow on and aim for more trusses? I'm just getting my head around the age of plant/ length of season/ number of trusses balance. Hoping that because they were sown in early February maybe there is enough time left to get a bigger crop.
Thanks a lot

[greenfingers23]

If you want a bigger crop I would stop them but also plant some side shoots. These still have time to give you a crop later in the season. I think you can have too many tomotoes on a single plant. Others may well disagree though.

GF

[redser]

Thanks Greenfingers

[Florence Fennel]

I stop mine (they're out in the elements, not in a greenhouse) after 4 trusses, 5 at the most. I think the plant then puts it energy into the fruit rather than the growth at the top. I did leave one last year and yes, there were still fruits at the top, but very small.

[binley100]

A couple of mine have reached the gh roof .....I shall cut them of and root them . (as if I didn't have enough armpits already )

[redser]

A couple of mine have reached the gh roof .....I shall cut them of and root them . (as if I didn't have enough armpits already )

So when you say they've reached the roof, how high is that? How many trusses are there? I'm surprised I have 6 and they're only 4 or 5 feet tall. Cheers

[Potstubsdustbins]

Yep mine have 6 trusses and are about 5ft tall but the eaves of the GH are only about 6ft.

Colin