Don't feel bad -- we've all had these OOOPS! situations, either from pruning the wrong part, or accidentally knocking off a growing tip, or not noticing a hornworm till half the plant had vanished, or....

If all of the "several branches" remaining are merely leaves, you can expect the plant to form new suckers where some of the leaves join the main stem. It won't happen immediately; I'd guess within 2 or 3 weeks of the pruning (you may get more accurate figures from other posters). Tomato plants have a very strong sense of survival, and an amazing ability to form new stems -- just as they form roots out of stem tissue in wet conditions.

Yes, you will lose time. Will you harvest tomatoes sooner if you stick with this plant, or if you buy a new plant? I'd guess it would be about the same time frame for either one (but again, you may get more accurate info from other posters).

Something else to consider is your weather, since high temps and humidity will prevent successful pollination. (You might want to start another thread asking what to expect in your growing area.)

How long has it been since you did the pruning (and when had you first planted)? Do you see any signs of new growth yet where the suckers were removed?

Thanks so much for the response. It's been a few weeks since I took the top off and removed the suckers. I was looking at the plant today and thought that I may have spotted the start of a new sucker at the bottom of the plant.

I planted these in late March, I think.

The weather has cooled some and we just received a lot of badly needed rain so I suspect that if the plant is going to make a move, it will be soon :)

Leave the plant just as it is, it will put on new suckers and produce a good crop. It will be 2-3 week later, but will produce better than a new plant.

This is my first year growing tomatoes and I got a little overzealous while pruning. In addition to removing the suckers from an indeterminate plant,

I know you didn't ask but several of us seldom miss an opportunity to point out to new growers that pruning of plants - even indeterminates - is not required despite some claims to the contrary.

Pruning tomatoes (the removal of suckers) is purely optional and rarely done by many experienced growers. Its need depends on the type of support used and the spacing of the plants. Properly spaced and well supported plants require no pruning. We have a good FAQ here and several detailed past discussions on "to prune or not to prune" if you are interested.

Just something to consider for future reference. ;)

Dave