Will Freezing Temperatures Kill Tomato Plants?

Tomatoes are a popular crop for gardeners and farmers, prized for their juicy texture and numerous culinary applications. However, tomato plants are sensitive to cold temperatures, and many growers may wonder whether a frost or freeze will spell the end for their plants. This article will explore the relationship between tomatoes and cold temperatures, and provide tips for helping tomato plants survive through a cold snap.

How Cold is Too Cold for Tomatoes?

Tomato plants are particularly sensitive to freezing temperatures, which can damage or kill both the foliage and the fruit. However, the specific temperature at which a tomato plant will be damaged depends on a variety of factors, including:

The maturity of the fruit: As tomatoes ripen, they become more sensitive to cold temperatures, so green tomatoes may be able to tolerate colder weather than fully-ripe ones.

The moisture content of the soil: Wet soil, particularly clay soil, conducts cold much more efficiently than dry soil, which can help to insulate roots.

The duration of the cold weather: A brief dip in temperature may not cause as much damage as several days or weeks of cold weather.

Generally, tomato plants can tolerate temperatures down to around 45-50 degrees Fahrenheit. However, temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit are particularly dangerous, as they can trigger ice crystal formation within the plant cells, which can rupture the cell walls and kill the plant.

Protecting Tomato Plants From Freezing Temperatures

Fortunately, there are several steps gardeners can take to protect their tomato plants from cold weather:

Cover plants: Gardeners can cover their tomato plants with blankets, tarps or row covers to help insulate them from the cold. However, it is important to make sure the covering is not touching the plant, as this can cause additional damage.

Use heat lamps or space heaters: Artificial sources of heat, such as heat lamps or space heaters, can help raise the temperature in greenhouses or covered growing areas.

Water plants: Even though wet soil can worsen the conduction of cold, moist soil retains heat better than dry soil, and can help to insulate the roots of the tomato plants. Watering the plants before a freeze can help protect their roots.

Harvest ripened fruit: As previously mentioned, ripe tomatoes are much more sensitive to cold than unripe ones. Consider harvesting ripe tomatoes before a frost or freeze, and allowing them to ripen off the vine.

What to Do if Your Tomato Plants Are Damaged

If your tomato plants have been damaged by freezing temperatures, there are a few steps you can take to try to salvage them:

Wait and see: Sometimes, tomato plants may recover on their own from cold damage. Continue to water and care for your plants, and wait to see if they begin to show signs of new growth.

Trim damaged foliage: If your tomato plants have suffered frost damage, gently trim away any brown or dead leaves. This will reduce the risk of disease and help the plant focus on producing new growth.

Cover plants again: If the cold weather is persisting, continue to cover your tomato plants to protect them from further damage.

Conclusion

Freezing temperatures can be a real threat to tomato plants, but there are several steps gardeners can take to mitigate that risk. By protecting their plants with covers or artificial heat, watering them appropriately, and harvesting ripe fruit, gardeners can help ensure their tomato plants thrive in spite of the cold. If your plants do suffer from cold damage, take heart – sometimes a little patience and TLC can be all that is needed to help them recover.