Remove any low, yellowing, or diseased leaves, and top your plant 30 days before the first expected frost. Signs it’s time to prune include overgrown branches, excessive foliage blocking sunlight, and yellowing or diseased leaves that need removal. Here is the rule if you’re searching for something clear-cut and easy to follow: Despite being among the easiest plants to grow in a home garden, tomatoes have many rules-such as a pruning deadline. · the simple answer is: About 30 to 45 days before to the first anticipated frost in your area, it is usually deemed too late to perform any significant structural pruning. If you live further north, its now too late for heavy pruning , chastain says. · according to gardening expert lindsey chastain, whether its too late to prune your tomatoes fully depends on the zone you live in. · it is too late to prune tomatoes for a recovery if they show signs of wilting or diminished fruit growth , which indicate a change in energy from ripening to healing. It could prevent the remaining fruit from ripening before the first frost. · late pruning can stress plants, reduce fruit production, cause sunburnt fruit, and increase vulnerability to diseases. · edible gardening expert erin hostetler says to prune the suckers below the lowest flower cluster on your plant. · when is tomato plant pruning too late? It’s too late to prune heavily once your tomato plants are heavily laden with fruit, nearing the end of their growing season, or showing signs of stress. You can leave 1-2 thicker suckers near the top to maximize growth and fruit production. Heres how to tell if its too late.
