How Cold Can Young Tomato Plants Tolerate

Tomato plants are sensitive to temperature fluctuations, especially young plants just getting established. If you're growing tomatoes from seed, you may wonder what temperatures your seedlings can tolerate.

Optimal Temperature for Tomato Seed Germination

The ideal temperature for starting tomato seeds is between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Seeds won't germinate at temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit or above 95 degrees Fahrenheit. To maintain the ideal temperature, it may be necessary to use a seedling heat mat or other form of supplemental heat.

How Cold Can Tomato Seedlings Tolerate?

Once your tomato seeds have germinated, it's important to keep the temperature consistent. Tomato seedlings can typically tolerate temperatures as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit, but anything below that can be detrimental to their growth.

If temperatures dip below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, tomato plants may become stunted or even die. It's essential to keep tomato seedlings at a consistent temperature to ensure healthy growth.

Frost Protection for Tomato Seedlings

Even if your tomato seedlings can tolerate temperatures as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit, frost can still be a threat. If temperatures drop below freezing (32 degrees Fahrenheit), it's important to protect your tomato plants with a frost blanket or other covering.

When covering your tomato plants, make sure to leave room for air circulation to prevent humidity buildup, which can encourage fungal growth. It's also essential to remove the cover once temperatures rise above freezing to prevent overheating.

Summary

In general, young tomato plants can tolerate temperatures as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit, but anything below that can be detrimental to their growth. To ensure healthy growth, it's important to keep the temperature consistent and protect against frost when necessary.

By following these tips, you can successfully grow young tomato plants and enjoy a bountiful harvest come summer.