How Hot is Too Hot for Tomato Plants

Tomato plants are beloved by gardeners around the world for their juicy fruits, gorgeous foliage, and relatively easy care. However, like all plants, tomatoes have their limits when it comes to temperature. If the weather becomes too hot, tomato plants can suffer from heat stress and even die. So, just how hot is too hot for tomato plants? Let's find out.

Optimal Temperature Range for Tomato Plants

Tomato plants thrive in warm weather, but not too hot. The optimal temperature range for tomato plants is between 70°F (21°C) and 80°F (27°C) during the day and between 60°F (15°C) and 70°F (21°C) at night. When the temperature is in this range, tomato plants can photosynthesize efficiently, absorb nutrients from the soil, and produce healthy fruits.

Heat Stress Symptoms in Tomato Plants

When the temperature rises above 85°F (29°C), tomato plants begin to experience heat stress. The symptoms of heat stress include:

Wilting leaves, especially during the hottest part of the day

Leaf rolling or puckering

Yellowing or browning of leaves

Stunted growth

Poor fruit set or dropping of flowers

If left untreated, heat stress can result in plant death.

How to Protect Tomato Plants from Heat Stress

Fortunately, there are several ways to protect tomato plants from heat stress:

Shade the plants - If the temperature is too hot, create shade for your tomato plants by using shade cloth or setting up another form of shade, such as an umbrella or a piece of cloth.

Water the plants - Tomato plants need consistent moisture to thrive, especially in hot weather. Water them deeply and frequently to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.

Cool the soil - Adding a layer of mulch around the tomato plants can help cool the soil, which can in turn help keep the plants cooler.

Time planting - If possible, time your planting so that the tomato plants will mature during the cooler weather of early summer rather than the hottest months of the year.

When to Give up on Your Tomato Plants

If your tomato plants are experiencing heat stress despite your best efforts, it may be time to give up on them. If the plants are severely wilted, have stopped growing, or are dropping leaves or flowers, it may be best to remove them and start over when the weather is cooler.

Conclusion

Tomato plants are a popular and rewarding addition to any garden, but they do have their limits when it comes to temperature. When the weather becomes too hot, tomato plants can suffer from heat stress and even die. To protect your tomato plants from heat stress, provide shade, water consistently, cool the soil, and time your planting correctly. And if all else fails, don't be afraid to give up on your plants and start over when the weather cools down.