How Cold Will Tomato Plants Survive?

Tomatoes are a warm-season crop that thrive in temperatures between 70°F and 85°F. However, tomato plants can tolerate some cold temperatures, but only to a certain extent. The exact temperature at which tomato plants can survive depends on several factors.

Factors Affecting Tomato Plants' Cold Tolerance

The following factors can affect tomato plants' ability to survive cold temperatures:

Variety: Some tomato varieties are more cold-tolerant than others. Certain cultivars can withstand temperatures as low as 33°F, while others may not survive temperatures below 50°F.

Age: Young tomato plants are more sensitive to cold than mature plants. Seedlings may not survive temperatures below 50°F.

Health: Healthy and well-nourished tomato plants are better equipped to withstand cold temperatures than stressed or malnourished plants.

Exposure: Tomato plants that are exposed to cold temperatures for an extended period are less likely to survive than those exposed to temporary cold weather.

How to Protect Tomato Plants from Cold

If you live in an area where temperatures frequently drop below 50°F or your tomato plants are susceptible to frost, you can take steps to protect them from cold. Here are some methods:

Cover tomato plants with blankets, sheets, or frost cloths during cold nights. This can provide a few degrees of protection and will keep frost from forming on leaves.

Water plants before covering them. Wet soil retains more heat than dry soil, and moist leaves are less likely to freeze.

Grow tomatoes in containers that can be moved indoors if necessary.

Use cold frames or hoop houses to protect tomato plants from cold temperatures.

Plant tomatoes in a location that is sheltered from cold wind and has good drainage.

When to Harvest Tomatoes Before Cold Weather

If you know that cold weather is on the way, it's important to harvest tomatoes before they are damaged by the cold. Here are some guidelines:

Tomatoes that are already ripe can be harvested just before the cold weather hits.

Tomatoes that are still green but have reached full size can be harvested and brought indoors to ripen.

Tomatoes that are small and underdeveloped are unlikely to ripen indoors and should be left on the plant.

In Conclusion

Tomatoes can survive some cold temperatures, but their tolerance depends on various factors. If you live in an area with cold weather, it's important to take steps to protect your tomato plants. Covering them with blankets or frost cloths, moving them indoors, or using a cold frame can help. Also, harvesting tomatoes before cold weather hits can prevent damage to the fruit.