What Temperature Do Tomato Plants Die?

As a tomato gardener, you may wonder what temperature your tomato plants can survive during the growing season. Knowing this is crucial to ensure that your tomatoes thrive and produce a bountiful harvest. Tomato plants are vulnerable to extreme temperatures, and different stages of growth need different temperature ranges for optimal growth. In this article, we will discuss the ideal temperature range for tomato plants and what temperature can kill them.

Ideal Temperature Range for Tomato Plants

Tomatoes are warm-season vegetables and thrive in temperatures between 70-85 ℉ (21-29 ℃) during the daytime and 60-70 ℉ (16-21℃) during the night. These temperature ranges provide an optimal environment for tomatoes to grow and develop. When the temperatures are too high or too low, it can affect plant growth, diseases, and fruit yield.

During the early growth stages of tomato plants, they are particularly sensitive to extreme temperatures. If temperatures dip below 50 ℉ (10 ℃) or rise above 95 ℉ (35 ℃), it can stunt plant growth, causing the plants to become small and weak. Also, temperature fluctuations can cause blossom drop, which is when the flowers fall before fruit set.

Tomato plants are particularly sensitive to low nighttime temperatures, and frost can kill them. If the nighttime temperatures drop below 50 ℉ (10 ℃), it can cause frost damage to the plant, leading to blackening and wilting of the foliage. Eventually, the entire plant will die. Therefore, it's essential to check the weather forecast, especially in the late growing season or in colder climates, and take appropriate measures to protect your tomato plants if frost is predicted.

Temperature Extremes That Can Kill Tomato Plants

If temperatures exceed the ideal range, tomato plants can experience heat stress, causing damage to the foliage, diminishing fruit yield, and in some cases, plant death. When temperatures exceed 90 ℉ (32 ℃), tomatoes will stop setting fruit, and their leaves curl up, turn yellow, and in extreme cases, fall off. This is because excessive heat causes the plant to shut down photosynthesis to conserve energy, leading to reduced growth and fruit production.

Alternatively, during the early growth stages of tomato plants, extreme cold can cause plant stress and damage. Frost occurs when the temperature drops below 32 ℉ (0 ℃), and it can cause blackening and wilting of foliage. Additionally, The plant's cell walls can burst due to freezing, leading to plant death. Therefore, gardeners must take measures to ensure their plants are protected during extreme weather conditions.

Conclusion

Tomatoes are sensitive to temperature extremes, and it's essential to monitor their growing environment carefully. While they thrive in warm temperatures, they can experience stress and damage when exposed to temperature extremes outside their ideal range. Nighttime temperatures below 50 ℉ (10 ℃) can cause frost damage, leading to plant death, while daytime temperatures over 90 ℉ (32℃) can cause heat stress, damage foliage, and reduce fruit yield. By following these guidelines and taking appropriate measures, gardeners can ensure that their tomatoes thrive during the growing season, providing a bountiful harvest.