How Cold Can Tomato Plants Get at Night

Tomatoes are a warm-season crop that typically grow in temperatures between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. However, there may be occasions when temperatures plummet, causing concern for tomato growers who want to know how cold tomato plants can get at night without suffering damage or death?

Understanding Tomato Plant Frost Tolerance

Knowing how cold tomato plants can get at night requires an understanding of the factors that contribute to tomato plant frost tolerance. Some of these factors include the plant variety, maturity, and growth stage, as well as the air temperature, wind speed, and humidity.

Tomato plants generally tolerate temperatures between 50 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit, but they begin to suffer damage at temperatures below 50 degrees. If temperatures fall below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, tomato plants can experience frost injury or even death, especially if the temperature drop is sudden and the plants have not acclimated to the lower temperatures.

Protecting Tomato Plants from Cold Temperatures

When the temperature drops below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, it's time to take action to protect your tomato plants from cold injury. Some measures you can take to protect your plants include:

Cover the plants with blankets, plastic tarps, or other materials to provide insulation and protect them from wind damage during the night.

Water the plants in the evening to help increase the soil's ability to retain heat and protect the plants from extreme temperature fluctuations.

Consider installing a heat source, such as a space heater, near the plants to raise the temperature and provide extra protection during cold nights.

Conclusion

Tomato plants are sensitive to cold temperatures and can suffer damage or death if exposed to freezing temperatures for extended periods. Knowing how cold tomato plants can get at night is crucial for gardeners who want to protect their crops and encourage healthy growth.

If you're expecting cold temperatures, take measures to protect your tomato plants, such as covering them with blankets or tarps, watering them in the evening, or installing a heat source. By doing so, you can ensure that your plants stay healthy and productive throughout the growing season.