How Cold-Hearty are Tomato Plants?

Tomatoes are a popular fruit (yes, it is a fruit) that is grown all over the world. While some areas have warm and temperate climates that are well-suited to tomato cultivation, others may be more challenging. So, just how cold-hearty are tomato plants?

What Temperatures can Tomato Plants Survive?

Generally speaking, tomato plants are considered warm-season crops that do best in temperatures between 70-80°F (21-27°C). They will grow and produce fruit in slightly cooler temperatures, but tomato plants generally don't do well in temperatures below 55°F (13°C).

If temperatures get too cold, tomato plants may experience a number of problems. For example, they may develop stunted growth or suffer from blossom drop, which is when flowers fall off before fruit has a chance to develop. If tomato plants are exposed to temperatures below 32°F (0°C), they will likely suffer from frost damage or even die off completely.

How to Protect Tomato Plants from Cold Temperatures

Fortunately, there are several strategies you can use to help protect your tomato plants from the cold:

Cover plants with a blanket or tarp to keep them warm at night.

Use row covers to insulate plants from cold winds.

Plant tomatoes in raised beds or containers to help keep their roots warm.

Choose tomato varieties that are more cold-tolerant, such as Siberian or Stupice.

Overall, tomato plants are relatively tender and don't do well in cold temperatures. However, with the right strategies and care, it is possible to protect your plants and enjoy a healthy tomato harvest, even in cooler climates.