Will Tomatoes Still Grow If a Section of the Upper Stalk Gets Broken Off?

Determinate Tomatoes

• Determinate, or "bush" tomatoes, are more compact and need less support while growing. The fruit of these tomatoes are produced in clusters on the ends of the branches. Determinate varieties produce one batch of fruit that ripens at the same time. These types of tomatoes are easier to harvest and useful when tomatoes are needed in large quantities, such as for making sauce. A broken stalk on a determinate tomato plant could reduce its yield since potential buds for fruit were removed.

Indeterminate Tomatoes

• Indeterminate tomato plants grow larger and produce fruit all along the stems. They need more support than the determinate varieties, but continue to produce their fruit throughout the season. Broken stalks on indeterminate varieties are not serious problems since they have the time, energy and space to grow new buds and produce new fruit. The best way to find out if your tomato plant is determinate or indeterminate is to look at the nursery tag or look them up in nursery catalogs.

Treatment

• There is little that can be done to help plants whose stalks have broken off completely. However, if the stem is partially broken, it might heal itself if it is gently tied to a support, like a bamboo stake. Whatever you use to attach the stems to its support, ensure it is soft and will "give" with the plant as it grows. Horticultural tape or pieces of cloth make good choices. Remove the ties once the stem has healed.

Prevention

• Tomato plants break easily if treated too roughly. Damage happens most often when the plant is being pruned or staked. Be careful when moving or tying stems to avoid pulling them past the breaking point. Take special care of young tomato plants, as a broken stalk may kill or severely stunt it.