What’s The Lowest Temperature Tomatoes Can Survive?

Tomato plants are highly sensitive to cold temperatures and flourish well in warm temperatures and are therefore termed warm-season vegetables.

If exposed to temperatures below their optimal range, they struggle with proper growth and fruit development and at times also suffer from permanent damage. So, it is very essential to understand the tolerance level for lower temperatures and also understand the dangers of low temperatures that affect plant growth.

This detailed article therefore delves into the details of the temperature thresholds for tomato plants and will help you learn the various ways to safeguard your plants from low temperatures.

So, let us now take a deep dive and explore the minimum temperatures the tomato plants can tolerate and the perfect ways to shield the plants from cold and ensure a bountiful harvest.

Also, read: What Family Do Tomatoes Belong To?

Understanding Temperature Sensitivity

Since tomato plants aren’t frost tolerant, it’s difficult for them to withstand the freezing temperatures, and as a result, exposure to lower temperatures damages the plants severely and results in the untimely death of the plant.

Effects Of Temperatures Below 50 Degrees Fahrenheit 

If the tomato plants are exposed to a temperature of below 50 degrees Fahrenheit or 10 degrees Celsius, then it will result in a lot of problems, and here’s what can happen:

1. Stunted Plant Growth

Temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit result in stunted plant growth as tomatoes prefer warm temperatures for optimal growth. So, temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit make the plant struggle to produce a new set of leaves, roots, or stems.

2. Reduced Fruit Production

Temperatures below 50 degrees also result in reduced fruit production, as lower temperatures affect the flower development, as a result of which few flowers bloom, thereby leading to fewer fruits.

3. Delayed Or Uneven Ripening

If the tomato plants are exposed to prolonged cold temperatures, then it will result in delayed or uneven ripening and can also develop a patchy coloration.

4. Increased Susceptibility To Diseases

If the tomato plants are exposed to prolonged cold temperatures, then it increases susceptibility to diseases as the plants become cold-stressed and weak.

This is because of this the plants become vulnerable to fungal infections such as blight and root rot. Additionally, aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies prefer low temperatures and find it best to thrive on weak plants in cool temperatures.

5. Leaf Damage And Wilting

Lower temperatures affect the plant’s ability to absorb water and nutrients, thereby leading to potential leaf damage, wilting, and even the development of dark spots.

Effects Of Freezing Temperature On Tomato Plants

Since tomatoes aren’t frost tolerant, they suffer from various damages or even untimely death. Freezing temperatures or conditions result in the creation of ice crystals that will in turn rupture the cell walls, thereby leading to potential damage.

1. Black And Wilted Leaves And Stems

If the leaves and stems of your tomato plant turn black and wilted, then it is a noticeable sign of frost damage, as frost or lower temperatures freeze the plant tissue and wilt the leaves permanently and also cause permanent damage.

2. Fruit Damage And Uneven Ripening

Frost is known to severely damage the tomato plants as the fruits get exposed to the cold temperature outside that acts as a hurdle in the proper ripening process. Frost slows down ethylene production, which directly affects the ripening process.

Frost also discolors the fruit and damages it internally by breaking the cell walls and allowing fungal infections and bacteria to enter.

3. Root Damage And Plant Death

Being highly sensitive to frost, the roots and plants suffer from irreversible damage the moment they come in direct contact with the cold soil.

Frost damages the roots as the soil temperature decreases, and the water in turn forms ice crystals and ruptures the delicate root cells.

4. Water-Soaked Appearance

Exposure to freezing temperatures results in the water-soaked and translucent appearance of the fruit, thereby causing the cell walls to burst.

The fruits also appear wet, swollen, mushy, and discolored by frost damage and easily split open or develop black spots.

Temperature Breakdown And Its Effects On Tomato Plants

• Above 50 degrees Fahrenheit

This is the ideal temperature range for the growth of tomato plants and pollination. At this temperature, the plants develop healthy leaves and stems and ensure consistent fruit delivery.

• 40-50 degrees Fahrenheit

At this temperature, the plant experiences slow growth and suffers from several ripening issues. It also leads to delayed fruit development and a decrease in flower production by reducing the overall yield.

• 32-40 degrees Fahrenheit

This temperature range results in wilting, leaf curling, and plant stress due to the harsh weather conditions. The cold weather disrupts the process of pollination, and also the plants weaken and lose their natural defense mechanism, thereby making them vulnerable to fungal infections.

• Below 32 degrees Fahrenheit

Since tomato plants are highly sensitive to frost, this temperature range results in frost damage and potential plant death by causing severe damage to the plants. The plant’s failure to survive without immediate protective measures further weakens the plant’s overall health and chances of survival.

Here’s a detailed guide to protect your tomatoes from frost.

How To Protect Tomatoes From Cold?

Below are some of the effective ways to protect the tomato plants from cold and keep your plants healthy:

• Cover the plants with row covers or frost blankets.
• Applying a layer of mulch around the base of the plants
• Watering the soil before a frost
• Using cloches, cold frames, or plastic tunnels
• Keeping the potted tomato plants indoors
• Create a heat source near the plant
• Harvest green tomatoes before the frost
• Choose cold-tolerant tomato varieties

Final Words

If the temperature falls abruptly, then the tomato plants suffer from irreversible damage, as they prefer warm temperatures for healthy and productive growth.

So, timely prevention is the key to saving your tomato plants and extending their growing season even in cooler climates.