What Temperature Kills Tomato Plants

Tomato plants are popular among gardeners because they are easy to grow and produce a bountiful harvest. However, tomato plants are sensitive to temperature changes, and extreme heat or cold can damage or kill them. In this article, we will explore the ideal temperature range for tomato plants and what temperatures can be fatal to them.

Ideal Temperature Range for Tomato Plants

The ideal temperature range for tomato plants is between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit at night. These temperatures provide optimal conditions for growth, fruit development, and yield.

When temperatures are consistently lower than 60 degrees Fahrenheit, tomato plants may suffer from stunted growth, poor fruit development, and wilting. On the other hand, when temperatures are consistently higher than 90 degrees Fahrenheit, tomato plants may become stressed, stop setting fruit, and suffer from blossom drop.

What Temperature Can Kill Tomato Plants

Tomato plants are frost-sensitive, and exposure to freezing temperatures can kill them. The critical temperature for tomato plants is 32 degrees Fahrenheit or below. When the temperature drops below freezing, the water inside the plant's cells freezes and expands, damaging the cell walls and disrupting the plant's functions.

However, even if the temperature does not fall below freezing, prolonged exposure to cold temperatures can damage tomato plants. When temperatures fall below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, tomato plants may suffer from chilling injury. Chilling injury causes a variety of symptoms, such as yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and leaf drop.

Extreme heat can also damage or kill tomato plants. When temperatures exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit, tomato plants may suffer from heat stress. Heat stress causes wilting, leaf curling, and reduced fruit production. In severe cases, tomato plants may die from heatstroke.

How to Protect Tomato Plants from Temperature Extremes

To protect tomato plants from temperature extremes, gardeners can take several steps:

Plant tomato plants in a sheltered location that is protected from wind and temperature fluctuations.

Cover tomato plants with protective fabric or shade cloth to regulate temperature and control moisture.

Water tomato plants thoroughly and regularly to prevent moisture stress.

Mulch the soil around tomato plants with organic matter to regulate soil temperature and prevent moisture loss.

Provide extra nutrients, such as phosphorus and potassium, to help tomato plants cope with temperature stress.

By taking these steps, gardeners can help tomato plants thrive in a variety of temperature conditions and enjoy a bountiful harvest.