What Temperature Do Tomato Plants Die?

Tomato plants are popular among gardeners and homeowners who want to have fresh and juicy tomatoes for salads, sandwiches, and sauces. However, tomato plants can be sensitive to temperature changes, and extreme heat or cold can affect their growth and survival. So, what temperature do tomato plants die? Let's take a closer look at the ideal temperature range for tomato plants and how they can handle high and low temperatures.

The Ideal Temperature Range for Tomato Plants

Tomato plants thrive in warm weather and need a temperature range of 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 29 degrees Celsius) to grow and develop properly. The ideal temperature for tomato plants to produce fruit is around 75 degrees Fahrenheit (24 degrees Celsius). However, in areas with hot summers, tomato plants may stop setting fruit when temperatures exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius), and their leaves may wilt and turn brown if they don't get enough water.

How High Temperatures Affect Tomato Plants

When the temperature exceeds 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius), tomato plants may suffer from heat stress, which can affect their growth, yield, and quality. High temperatures can cause the flowers to drop off before they turn into fruit, which can lower the yield. Heat stress can also affect the taste, texture, and nutritional value of the tomatoes, making them less flavorful and tender. Additionally, high temperatures can lead to sunscald, which is when the fruits get sunburned and turn yellow or white.

How Low Temperatures Affect Tomato Plants

Tomato plants are also sensitive to low temperatures, especially if the temperature drops below 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius) for an extended period. Low temperatures can slow down the growth of tomato plants, delay the ripening of the fruits, and cause uneven coloration or blotchy cracking. In extreme cases, frost or freezing temperatures can kill the tomato plants, especially if they are not protected by covers or shelters.

How to Protect Tomato Plants from Extreme Temperatures

If you want to grow healthy and productive tomato plants, you need to protect them from extreme temperatures. Here are some tips to help you do that:

Plant your tomatoes in a sheltered area that gets enough sunlight but is protected from strong winds and direct heat.

Mulch around the base of the plants to keep the soil moist and cool.

Water your tomato plants deeply and regularly, especially during hot and dry weather.

Cover your tomato plants with shade cloth or row covers during heatwaves or extended periods of hot weather.

Use frost blankets or plastic sheets to cover your tomato plants during frost or freeze warnings.

Choose tomato varieties that are adapted to your climate and are more tolerant of heat or cold.

In conclusion, tomato plants can die if they are exposed to extreme temperatures outside their ideal range. High temperatures can cause heat stress, flower drop, and sunscald, while low temperatures can slow down the growth, delay the ripening, and cause frost damage. To protect your tomato plants from extreme temperatures, you need to choose the right location, watering, and covering strategies, and select the appropriate tomato varieties for your climate. By doing so, you can enjoy fresh and juicy tomatoes throughout the growing season.