How Low Temperature Can Tomato Plants Survive?

Tomatoes are sensitive plants that require specific growing conditions to thrive. They need the right amount of sunlight, water, and nutrients to grow and produce healthy fruits. Additionally, they require a specific range of temperatures to germinate, grow, and produce fruit. But how low temperature can tomato plants survive?

The Temperature Range for Tomato Plants

Tomato plants are warm-season crops that thrive in temperatures between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 55 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit at night. These temperatures allow for proper photosynthesis, which is essential for the plant to produce food and grow. When the temperature drops too low, the plant's growth slows down as the photosynthesis process slows down as well.

The range of temperature that tomato plants can tolerate varies from one cultivar to another. Some cultivars are more cold-tolerant than others and can withstand temperatures as low as 40 degrees Fahrenheit. However, most cultivars are sensitive to frost and cannot survive temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit.

The Effect of Low Temperature on Tomato Plants

When the temperature drops below the optimal range, tomato plants respond negatively, and their growth slows down. The lower the temperature, the slower the growth. This affects flowering and fruiting, and the plant may produce small, underdeveloped fruits. Additionally, low temperatures can cause various physiological disorders, such as blossom-end rot, which results in a black, sunken patch on the bottom of the fruit.

If the temperature drops below freezing, the plant's cells may freeze, and the plant can die. However, if the temperature drops slightly below freezing, tomato plants can survive if they are protected. The protection can be in the form of a cover, such as a plastic sheet or cloth. You can also use water to form a protective layer of ice around the plant, which can insulate it from the cold.

What to Do When the Temperature Drops

If you live in an area where the temperature drops below the optimal range for tomato plants, you need to take precautions to protect your plants. Here are some tips on what to do when the temperature drops:

Cover your plants with a frost cloth, blanket, or plastic cover to protect them from frost.

When frost is expected, water your plants thoroughly in the afternoon to help them retain heat. Moist soil generally stays warmer than dry soil.

If you have planted your tomato plants in containers, move them indoors or into a greenhouse when the temperature drops.

If your plants have been damaged due to low temperature, prune off the dead or damaged areas to promote new growth.

In Conclusion

Tomato plants are sensitive to low temperatures, and their growth and fruiting are affected when the temperature drops below the optimal range. The range of temperature that tomato plants can tolerate varies from one cultivar to another, but most cultivars cannot survive temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. If you live in an area with low temperatures, taking precautions to protect your plants, such as covering them or moving them indoors, is essential to ensure they survive and produce healthy fruits.