Can It Get Too Hot for Tomato Plants?

Tomatoes are a warm-season crop that grows best in temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. However, extreme heat can cause problems for tomato plants, including reduced yield and overall plant health. In this article, we’ll explore the effects of excessive heat on tomato plants and what steps you can take to protect them during hot weather.

The Effects of High Temperatures on Tomato Plants

When temperatures rise above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, tomato plants can experience stress that affects their growth and development. Excessive heat can cause a number of problems for tomato plants, including:

Reduced yield: High temperatures can decrease the number of flowers that are produced by tomato plants, resulting in a lower yield.

Poor fruit quality: Tomatoes that ripen in extreme heat can have low sugar content, resulting in less flavorful fruits.

Early ripening: Hot weather can cause tomatoes to ripen faster than normal, reducing their shelf life and making it more difficult to time harvests.

Blossom drop: When temperatures rise above 95 degrees Fahrenheit, tomato plants may drop their blossoms before they can produce fruit.

Protecting Tomato Plants During Hot Weather

If you live in a region where temperatures regularly exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit during the growing season, you can take steps to protect your tomato plants from excessive heat. Here are some tips:

Provide shade: Use shade cloth or other materials to provide shade for your plants during the hottest part of the day.

Water consistently: Keep soil consistently moist to help regulate plant temperature and prevent drought stress.

Mulch: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of your tomato plants to help retain soil moisture and regulate soil temperature.

Choose heat-tolerant varieties: Look for tomato varieties that are specifically bred to withstand high temperatures, such as ‘Heatwave II’ or ‘Phoenix’.

Conclusion

While tomato plants prefer warm temperatures, they can be negatively affected by extreme heat. By understanding the effects of high temperatures on tomato plants and taking steps to protect them during hot weather, you can help ensure a healthy and bountiful harvest.