How Hot Should Tomato Plants Be?

Tomatoes are a popular fruit among gardeners as they are easy to grow and provide a lot of yield. One of the factors that can affect tomato growth and yield is the temperature. Tomato plants prefer warm temperatures, but how hot should tomato plants be?

Optimal Temperature for Tomato Plants

The optimal temperature range for tomato plants is between 70°F to 80°F (21.1°C to 26.7°C) during the day and between 60°F to 70°F (15.6°C to 21.1°C) during the night.

Tomato plants need warm temperatures to grow and produce fruit properly. If the temperature is too low, the plants may not grow fast enough, and the fruit may not ripen properly. If the temperature is too high, the plants may experience heat stress, which can lead to wilting, premature fruit drop, and poor fruit quality.

Temperature and Tomato Plant Growth

The temperature can affect different stages of tomato plant growth. When planting tomato seeds, the temperature should be between 70°F to 80°F (21.1°C to 26.7°C) for optimal germination. Once the seedlings have emerged, they can tolerate cooler temperatures between 60°F to 70°F (15.6°C to 21.1°C).

During the vegetative growth stage, the tomato plants require warm temperatures to grow properly. The ideal temperature range during this stage is between 75°F to 85°F (23.9°C to 29.4°C). If the temperature drops below 55°F (12.8°C) at night, the vegetative growth may slow down or even stop.

During flowering and fruiting stages, the temperature should be kept between 65°F to 75°F (18.3°C to 23.9°C) during the day and between 55°F to 65°F (12.8°C to 18.3°C) at night. If the temperature goes above 85°F (29.4°C) during the day or 75°F (23.9°C) at night, the plants may experience heat stress and reduce their fruit yield.

Heat Stress and Tomato Plant

When the temperature is too high, tomato plants may experience heat stress. Heat stress can cause the leaves to wilt, flowers to drop, and fruit to be of poor quality or not ripe properly. A prolonged period of heat stress can cause plant damage or even death.

Typically, tomato plants can tolerate high temperatures up to 95°F (35°C). However, when the temperature is above 85°F (29.4°C), the plant's metabolism may slow down, affecting the fruit's size, quality, and yield.

Tips for Growing Tomato Plants in Hot Weather

If you live in an area with hot summers, you may need to take extra precautions to grow tomato plants successfully. Here are a few tips for growing tomato plants in hot weather:

Plant your tomatoes in a spot with partial shade to protect them from direct sunlight during peak hours.

Water your tomato plants regularly to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Tomato plants need at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water per week, but they can require more during hot weather.

Mulch the soil around the tomato plants to help retain moisture and keep the soil cool.

Fertilize your tomato plants with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks.

Prune your tomato plants regularly to remove suckers and improve air circulation.

Harvest your tomatoes regularly to encourage the plant to produce more fruit and prevent them from developing sunscald.

Conclusion

Tomato plants require warm temperatures to grow and produce fruit properly. The optimal temperature range for tomato plants is between 70°F to 80°F (21.1°C to 26.7°C) during the day and between 60°F to 70°F (15.6°C to 21.1°C) during the night. When the temperature is too high or too low, it can affect the plant's growth and fruit quality. By following the tips mentioned above, you can successfully grow tomato plants in hot weather.