Will Green Tomatoes Ripen Off the Plant

Many gardeners face the challenge of growing green tomatoes that refuse to ripen, especially towards the end of summer when weather conditions start to change. Whether you have to harvest your tomatoes before they ripen or the weather has turned chilly before they had a chance to turn red naturally, you are probably wondering if green tomatoes ripen off the plant. This article explores this question in detail.

What Causes Green Tomatoes to Stay Green?

Before we delve into whether green tomatoes ripen off the plant, it's important to understand what causes green tomatoes to remain unripe even after the vine has stopped producing them. There are several reasons why your green tomatoes might not ripen including:

Inadequate sunlight exposure

Cool or cold weather

Excessive fertilization

Plant stress caused by disease or pests

Can Green Tomatoes Ripen Off the Plant?

The answer is yes, green tomatoes can ripen off the plant, but whether they will turn fully red depends on the maturity stage of the tomato when it was harvested. According to the University of California Master Gardener Program, green tomatoes harvested at the mature-green stage will ripen off the plant given the right conditions.

The key to ripening green tomatoes off the vine is to create a warm and humid environment that mimics the conditions tomatoes experience while ripening on the vine. Here are the steps you need to follow:

Step 1: Select the Right Tomatoes

As mentioned, only mature-green tomatoes will ripen off the plant. These are tomatoes that have reached full size, and the first signs of ripening appear, but the fruit is still predominantly green. You can identify a mature-green tomato by checking if there are small cracks around the stem or if the fruit has begun to yellow slightly.

Step 2: Clean and Dry Tomatoes

Before you store your tomatoes, clean them with a soft brush and rinse them in cool water. Dry them off with a clean cloth or paper towel to remove excess water.

Step 3: Find the Right Storage Conditions

Place your mature-green tomatoes in a cardboard box or a plastic container. Do not use plastic bags as they can trap moisture and cause mold formation. Make sure the container has some ventilation holes to allow proper air circulation. The ideal temperature for ripening green tomatoes is between 65°F to 70°F, and the humidity level should be around 90%.

Step 4: Monitor Tomatoes Regularly

Check your tomatoes regularly to avoid spoilage. Any damaged or rotten tomatoes should be removed from the container immediately to prevent the spread of rot to healthy fruits.

Step 5: Speed Up Ripening with Apples or Bananas

If you want to speed up the ripening process, place an apple or a banana in the container with the tomatoes. These fruits produce ethylene gas, a natural plant hormone that triggers the ripening process in tomatoes.

In Conclusion

Green tomatoes will ripen off the plant if harvested at the right maturity stage and stored under the proper conditions. Follow the above steps, and you should have ripe, juicy tomatoes within a few weeks. However, keep in mind that not all green tomatoes will turn red once harvested, so it's best to leave them on the vine for as long as possible if you want flavorful and fully ripe fruits for your recipes.