Can Tomato Plants Take Frost?

Tomatoes are one of the most popular and commonly grown vegetables in home gardens. They are easy to grow, and with proper care, can produce a bountiful harvest. However, growing tomatoes can present challenges if you live in an area with a shorter growing season, or if you experience frost in the fall. Many gardeners wonder if tomato plants can survive frost, and if so, what steps they can take to protect them.

What Happens to Tomato Plants in Frost?

Tomato plants are tropical plants, and they thrive in warm temperatures. When the temperature drops below 50°F (10°C), tomato plants can start to suffer. At temperatures around 32°F (0°C), the water inside the plant's cells can freeze, causing the cell walls to rupture. This means that when the plant thaws out, its cells will collapse, which can lead to irreversible damage and death.

Can Tomato Plants Survive Frost?

While tomato plants are not frost-tolerant, they can survive brief periods of frost if the temperature does not drop below 28°F (-2°C). The plants may appear wilted and damaged after the frost, but if the roots are still alive, the plants may recover. However, prolonged exposure to frost or freezing temperatures can be deadly to tomato plants.

How to Protect Tomato Plants from Frost

If you live in an area that is prone to frost, there are several steps you can take to protect your tomato plants:

Cover your tomato plants with a frost blanket or cloth. This will help to trap in the heat and protect the plants from frost damage.

Water your plants before a frost. Moist soil can help to retain heat, which can protect the roots from freezing.

Harvest any ripe tomatoes before a frost, as they will not survive exposure to freezing temperatures.

Consider using a greenhouse, hoop house, or cold frame to protect your tomato plants from frost and cold temperatures.

Conclusion

Tomato plants are not frost-tolerant, but they can survive brief periods of frost if the temperature does not drop below 28°F (-2°C). With proper care, such as covering the plants with a frost blanket or cloth, watering before a frost, and harvesting ripe tomatoes, you can protect your tomato plants from frost damage. If you live in an area with a shorter growing season or frequent frost, consider incorporating a greenhouse or other protective structure to extend your tomato growing season.