In crops such as tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers, guiding plant growth correctly not only makes maintenance and harvesting easier, but also helps improve plant development and maximise the available growing space, especially in greenhouses.
To provide firm support while protecting the stem, INDEX® CLV clips have been designed to secure plants quickly and easily to trellising twine, raffia and other support systems used in both commercial greenhouses and vegetable gardens.
What are CLV clips?
CLV clips, also known as plant support clips, tomato clips or trellising clips, are polypropylene accessories designed to secure the plant stem quickly and safely to twine, raffia, netting or string trellises without damaging it.
Their main function is to guide plant growth throughout the entire growing cycle, keeping the plant securely attached to the trellising system while making maintenance, pruning and harvesting tasks easier.
In addition, their ventilated design provides firm support while promoting air circulation around the stem, reducing moisture build-up and helping create healthier growing conditions for the crop.
CLV clips are available in transparent and black versions, both with a diameter of 23 mm, a size suitable for most crops that require trellising.
Which crops can CLV clips be used for?
Although they are commonly referred to as tomato clips, their applications extend far beyond tomatoes.
They are an ideal solution for trellising tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, beans, roses and many other climbing crops that need to grow supported by twine or another support system.
Thanks to their versatility, they can be used in both large-scale commercial farms and small home gardens.
What are the benefits of using tomato and pepper clips?
Better ventilation and reduced risk of disease
One of the key features of CLV clips is their ventilated design. This geometry allows better airflow around the stem, preventing moisture build-up and reducing the risk of fungal diseases caused by poor ventilation, such as Botrytis.
Improved air circulation helps create a healthier environment for plant development.
Quick installation saves time
The clip’s closing system allows it to be installed comfortably with one hand, significantly speeding up trellising operations.
Under normal working conditions, a single operator can install approximately 1,500 clips per hour, representing considerable savings in both time and labour compared with more traditional systems.
Secure support without damaging the plant
The clip is designed to hold the stem firmly without applying excessive pressure.
This allows the clip to support the plant’s natural growth while preventing constriction or damage throughout the growing cycle.
In addition, its non-slip surface provides a secure grip even as the plant becomes heavier with developing fruit.
Easier crop management
Keeping plants properly guided greatly improves access during routine crop management operations.
Pruning, pollination, crop protection treatments and harvesting can all be carried out more quickly and efficiently because the plants remain organised and easily accessible.
Better use of available growing space
By securing plants to twine or raffia, CLV clips support vertical growing, a technique widely used in greenhouses to optimise available space.
Growing vertically allows plants to occupy less ground area, making better use of the cultivation space and increasing productivity.
This arrangement also improves light exposure and makes it easier to visually inspect leaves, stems and fruit throughout the growing cycle.
How are CLV clips installed on tomatoes, peppers and other climbing crops?
Installing CLV clips is quick and straightforward, taking only a few seconds.
For best results, the clip should be positioned at the plant’s Y-shaped stem junction, just below the leaf and before the fruit truss support, although it can also be installed elsewhere on the plant whenever necessary.
Installation involves just two simple steps:
- Attach the clip to the trellising twine, raffia or support system.
- Gently close the clip around the stem.
As a general guideline, long-cycle crops typically require 10 to 20 clips per plant, while short-cycle crops usually need 5 to 10 clips. It is also recommended to leave approximately 20 cm between clips to properly support the plant as it grows.
Can CLV clips be reused?
CLV clips feature a quick-release opening system that allows them to be removed easily without damage, making them reusable.
In home gardens and small-scale cultivation, they are often removed at the end of the season and reused in future growing cycles.
However, in commercial farming operations it is generally more practical to remove the clips together with the plants at the end of the crop cycle, as the time required to recover, sort and reinstall them often exceeds the cost of using new clips.
Whether in a commercial greenhouse or a home vegetable garden, INDEX® CLV clips provide a simple and reliable solution for improving crop trellising.
Explore the full INDEX® Agricultural range and discover our solutions for crop trellising, training and support.