ZD makes tons of basals. Mine was like a bamboo patch. with 20 or so 8-foot canes after a few years. The old basals, insofar as they are semi-horizontal, will bloom heavily on laterals, and this will provide the early bloom. Then, if you let the new basals grow and bloom, they will prolong the spring flush into mid-summer, blooming at the top. Then any later bloom will come at the tips of late-starting basals. In other words, ZD does not repeat very well on the old canes, but the new canes help to compensate for that. At least, that is how mine behaved. I fear your arbor is too small for such a lusty grower. But I'm sure you want to give her a fair trial. If you want to contain growth, here are some things to try: Withhold water and fertilizer starting at midsummer, because you aren't going to get much late bloom anyway. Let the new canes grow out and bloom. Don't prune them out in summer, because the plant will just replace them. Next spring, cut some of the canes back to various lengths (2'-4'-6'). These will make blooming laterals at the various levels for the spring flush. After a few years, when you have too many canes, begin removing 1/3 of the canes, older ones, at the base every year. I would do this after the old canes have finished their spring bloom.

John: My About Face also has a tall cane like yours. As soon as it finishes blooming (probably by Friday) I will be pruning back so it is in line with the rest of the bush. This way the plant will look more attractive and can start sending out another shoot to produce flowers. Jeff

When I transplant I cut off all the buds and flowers and trim the plant down so that the roots can get settled without having to put energy into maintaining top growth. I would certainly mulch it very well after transplanting and be very generous with the water. Good luck! In my zone I wouldn't hesitate to transplant now but don't know enough about your conditions to give you advice. Ingrid

My tomatoes just seem like they really want to produce fruit off the suckers instead of the main stems. Yep, that is their nature. :) Or would it be ok to let the sucker grow and trim off the leafy branch underneath it on which no flowers or fruit form? I wouldn't take all of those, but just thin the foliage a bit That is the best way to go if you have to do some pruning. Just don't over-do it. The plant needs those leaves to produce energy and to shield the fruit from sunburn. Where you live (need to include that info) will determine how much sun scorch protection your fruit needs. The two varieties you planted are two of the biggest plants out there by far so keep that in mind for next year when it comes to choosing varieties or method of support. Dave