What Temperature Will Kill Tomato Plants

Tomatoes are vulnerable to extreme temperatures, both hot and cold. Gardening enthusiasts who grow tomatoes understand that these plants require a delicate balance of the appropriate temperature, watering, nutrients, and sunlight to thrive. Tomato plants thrive in warm weather, but they are intolerant of excessive heat or freezing temperatures. Therefore, knowing the ideal temperature range for growing tomatoes is essential. This article will explore what temperature range is suitable for tomato plants and identify the temperature that can kill tomato plants.

Ideal Temperature for Tomato Plants

Tomato plants require specific temperature conditions to grow and yield fruits successfully. Ideal temperatures for tomato plants range from 70-85°F (21-29°C). These temperatures allow the plants to grow, flower and fruit optimally. When temperatures exceed the upper limit, tomato plants stop growing, and flowers may drop off or fail to develop. When temperatures fall below the lower range, tomato plants also stop growing, and the leaves may begin to turn yellow.

Temperature Tolerance Range for Tomato Plants

While tomato plants thrive in ideal temperatures, they can tolerate short periods of temperature outside the ideal range. Established tomato plants can tolerate temperatures that vary from 60 to 98°F (16-37°C). That said, the plants will experience stress if the temperature falls out of the suitable range.

What Temperature Will Kill Tomato Plants

The temperature that can kill tomato plants depends on how long the plants are exposed to extreme temperatures, as well as the age and health of the plant. Here are the temperature ranges to watch out for:

Below 50°F (10°C) – Tomatoes’ growth slows down or halts, and the leaves may turn yellow, reducing their ability to produce food for the plant.

Below 40°F (5°C) – Tomatoes may suffer from frost damage, which can cause brown or blackened leaves, water-soaked spots on the fruits, and internal damage to the plant.

Above 100°F(38°C) – Tomatoes experience heat stress, which can lead to wilting, leaf drop, and blossom drop. The plants can also attract pests and fungal diseases.

Above 120°F(49°C) – The high temperatures can cause the plant’s cell structure to collapse, resulting in plant death.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the ideal temperature range for growing tomato plants is between 70-85°F (21-29°C). While tomato plants can tolerate temperatures outside this range, they can experience stress if these conditions persist. If temperatures fall below 50°F (10°C) or rise above 100°F(38°C), the plants can suffer and may not produce fruits. However, temperatures outside of this range can kill the plants, especially when the temperature goes above 120°F(49°C).