How Cold Does It Have to Get to Kill Tomato Plants?

Tomato plants are a warm-season crop and require specific temperatures to grow and produce fruit. They grow best in temperatures ranging from 60 degrees Fahrenheit to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures below 55 degrees Fahrenheit can cause a significant reduction in growth rate and fruit production. If the temperature drops even further, it can cause severe damage and even kill the tomato plants.

What Temperature is Too Cold for Tomatoes?

The critical temperature for tomato plants depends on the growth stage of the plant. Mature tomato plants can tolerate temperatures as low as 28 degrees Fahrenheit for short periods. However, young tomato seedlings are much more sensitive and can be damaged or killed by temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Moreover, mature tomato plants can survive frost, but prolonged exposure to cold temperatures can cause significant damage and reduce fruit production.

How to Protect Tomato Plants from Cold?

There are several ways to protect tomato plants from cold temperatures, such as:

Using row covers: Cover tomato plants with a cloth or blanket to trap heat and protect them from frost.

Using mulch: Cover the soil around the tomato plants with a layer of mulch, such as hay or straw, to insulate the soil and retain heat.

Utilizing hot caps: Place a half-gallon milk jug cut in half over the tomato plant to provide insulation and protect it from cold temperatures.

Choosing the right varieties: Select tomato varieties that are cold-tolerant and can withstand colder temperatures.

What Happens if Tomato Plants are Exposed to Cold?

If tomato plants are exposed to cold temperatures, they can show several symptoms, such as:

Stunted growth: Cold temperature can slow down the growth rate of tomato plants and cause stunted growth.

Wilting: Tomato plants can wilt and droop if exposed to cold temperatures for a prolonged period.

Leaf damage: Cold temperature can damage the leaves of the tomato plant, causing them to turn yellow or brown, and fall off.

Fruit damage: Tomato fruit can be damaged by cold temperature and cause them to become soft or mushy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, tomato plants require specific temperatures to grow and produce fruit. Temperatures below the optimal range can slow down the growth rate and reduce fruit production, while prolonged exposure to cold temperatures can damage or even kill the tomato plants. Therefore, it is essential to protect tomato plants from cold temperatures using various methods, such as row covers, mulch, hot caps, and choosing the right varieties.