What is Suckers?

Suckers are small shoots that grow on tobacco plants, usually at the base of the leaves, after the main stem has been topped (the removal of the flower bud). These suckers divert nutrients away from the tobacco leaves, which can negatively affect the quality of the tobacco. Suckering, or removing these shoots, is an important part of tobacco cultivation to ensure that the plant’s energy is focused on the growth of the leaves, resulting in higher-quality tobacco. Suckering is a labor-intensive process, but it plays a crucial role in producing premium cigar tobacco.