Do Tomato Plants Like Heat?

Tomato plants are a staple of the summer garden, but do they actually enjoy the heat? The answer is yes and no – tomato plants thrive in warm weather, but there is a limit to how much heat they can handle. In this article, we will explore the relationship between tomato plants and heat.

The Ideal Temperature Range for Tomato Plants

According to experts, the ideal temperature range for tomato plants is between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit during the day, and between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit at night. The reason for this lies in the fact that tomato plants require warm temperatures to grow and produce fruit, but too much heat can be harmful.

When temperatures rise above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, the pollen in tomato plants may become sterile, which leads to reduced fruit yield. Furthermore, high temperatures can cause heat stress, causing the plants to wilt, stopping growth and fruit production.

How to Protect Tomato Plants from Extreme Heat

If you live in an area where temperatures often climb above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, it is important to take measures to protect your tomato plants. Here are some handy tips:

Provide shade: Create a shade cloth cover for the tomato plants to protect them from the sun's rays. This can be done using a piece of fabric or an umbrella.

Water frequently: Hot weather dries out the soil faster, so make sure to water your tomato plants more often during hot weather. Ensure each plant is getting approximately 1-2 inches of water per week.

Harvest early: As soon as the tomato fruit start to ripen, harvest and enjoy them. This will allow the plant to focus on developing new fruit, rather than ripening old ones in the heat.

Apply mulch: Adding a layer of organic mulch around the base of your tomato plants will help to keep the soil moist and cool.

Tomato Plants and Humidity

Humidity is another factor that needs to be taken into consideration when growing tomato plants. Tomatoes prefer moderate humidity levels, around 40 to 50%. When humidity levels are too high or too low, it can cause problems for the plants.

High humidity can make the plants more prone to fungal diseases, such as blight, while low humidity can cause the fruit to fall off the plant prematurely. Properly spaced plants that receive plenty of air circulation can help to minimize humidity issues.

The Bottom Line

In conclusion, tomato plants do indeed like heat – but within reason. The ideal temperature range for tomato plants is between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. When temperatures climb above 90 degrees, it is important to take measures to protect the plants.

By providing shade, watering frequently, harvesting early, and applying mulch, tomato plants can withstand higher temperatures. Keep in mind that humidity levels also play a role in tomato plant health, and should be attentive to the moisture content of the soil.

With these tips in mind, you can ensure that your tomato plants have the best chance of thriving in your garden, no matter what the weather brings!