Should I remove the first truss of flowers on my tomatoes?

I was always told to remove the new trusses once the first five or seven had formed, from the top of the plant as it grows, not the bottom. And I don't think you have to do this with the baby tomatoes, but am not sure. Anyway, the complete opposite of what your dad's saying is what I did.

Yes, that's what I was thinking Bamboo.... I usually 'stop' mine at 5 trusses, so they all ripen before winter. My dad's from the generation where everyone grow their own veg in their back gardens and allotments and he says ""everyone"" used to remove the first truss??!!! I dont like to disagree with him, but...........................

Well perhaps he's right, but my dad (who's not around to ask any more) grew them for years and he was the one who told me how to grow them. There are other veggie people on this site, perhaps one of them will know why there's this conflict.

I've just checked in my veggie growing book; it doesn't mention pinching out the first truss, but does say 4 or 5 trusses only per plant, and pinch out the leaves above the last truss, and remove any further trusses which form. Intriguing, love to know why the tradition of getting rid of the first truss started with your dad and his friends.

Thanks Bamboo :-)

I've grown tomatoes for something like 30 years and I have NEVER removed the first truss. You could ask your father the reasoning behind this but it's not something I have ever thought of doing

I was thinking of growing tomatoes next season for the first time, but im not so sure now after reading all that stuff by you sid, bamboo and andrew.....most confusing...lol..:>)))

I don't remove the first truss, can't see what difference it would make, i always pinch out after the 5th truss forms though. always get a good crop.
Motinot....they are easy to grow Honest!! If i can grow them anyone can.

my uncle removed the first truss to encourage the plant to grow taller then he stopped it after 7 trusses.
i dont think it really matters. the plant will do its own thing anyway.

I had to laugh. When I'd finished reading all these answers, I noticed the ebay ad at the side of the page, for roof trusses. Not quite the same thing, d'you think!?

at least the add wasnt for surgical trusses !

Thanks guys! I can now look my dad in the eye and tell him I've asked a whole bunch of experts and they've all said I don't have to remove the first truss! ;-)

Motinot - have a go! Medeling family members aside, they are easy to grow lol

Seaburngirl - behave! lol

thanks for your support sid. i will wash it and return it. lol