tomato are one of the most popular vegetable to grow in home gardens . However in high spirits temperature can make it challenging to get a good tomato harvest . So how hot is too raging for tomato ?
The Optimal Temperature Range for Tomatoes
tomato thrive in warm condition , but utmost heat can hamper growth and fruit production The ideal temperature range for tomatoes is 70 - 85 ° F during the day and 60 - 70 ° F at night . Once temperatures consistently heighten above 90 ° F , tomatoes often struggle
Tomato pollen becomes nonviable at temperatures above 85 - 90 ° F . This prevents flowers from being pollinate and setting fruit . efflorescence pearl and inadequate fruit solidifying are unwashed problems during hot spells .
prolong exposure to temperature over 100 ° degree Fahrenheit can be fatal to tomatoes . leave scorch and plants go into survival modality , keep out down fruiting until conditions improve . Nighttime temperatures above 75 ° F put up no respite for heat - stressed plants .
While tomatoes can resist shortsighted full point of heat , prolonged extreme temperatures take a cost on productivity For best solvent , draw a bead on to keep tomato within their optimum temperature range as much as possible
Choosing Heat-Tolerant Tomato Varieties
sure tomato smorgasbord are more estrus - hardy than others . attempt out heat - large-minded cultivars specifically bred to ready yield under high temperature .
wait for names like Solar Fire , Phoenix , Heatmaster , and Summer Set . Determinate , compendious sort be given to be more heat - tolerant than sprawling indeterminate types .
Cherry tomato such as Sun Gold , Husky Cherry Red , and Sweet 100 also make up well to heat . Larger slicing tomatoes like Celebrity and Better Boy are other right options for quick climate .
enquire local extension service and nurseries for high temperature - loving tomato plant recommendation for your sphere . With a little research , you may find varieties suited to your clime .
Providing Afternoon Shade
Too much sun can overheat Lycopersicon esculentum plant . Providing some tone , especially in the hottest part of the day , can help tomatoes thrive .
Use shade cloth , awning , or other structures to blockade 30 - 50 % of the sunlight from around 1 pm to 5 pm . set aside maximal sunlight exposure in the morning . Afternoon shade keep plant cooler and less stressed .
you could also interplant tomatoes with taller crop like corn and trellis vining plants on the west side to provide shade . Just be certain not to completely embarrass the sun — tomatoes still need at least 6 hour of full Lord’s Day per day .
Mulching Plants
Apply 2 - 3 inch of organic mulch like straw , folio , or wood chip around each tomato plant . The mulch act as insularism to keep soil cooler and evenly moist . It also prevents weed outgrowth .
Replenish the mulch as needed throughout the season . Mulching is especially important for come down territory temperature and piddle loss during raging , dry spells .
Providing Consistent Water
Tomatoes need at least 1 - 2 inches of piss per week from rain and/or irrigation . During live atmospheric condition , water system demand increase . Soil can dry out out quickly , causing drought stress .
hold in soil moisture day by day and water when the top few inches become ironical . Prioritize giving plants a deep soaking in the morning , so the leaf has time to dry out before night .
Automatic drip irrigation or soaker hoses make watering simple . They also deliver water right to the ancestor where it ’s needed most .
equal , consistent wet prevents cracking and blossom - ending rot in fruits . Proper lachrymation is critical for assist tomatoes tolerate passion wave .
Picking Tomatoes Early
When an prolonged hot spell is forecast , reap any fledged or ripening tomato . permit them to finish mature indoors . heel counter - top tomato will belike taste better than heat - stress fruits left on wilting vine .
in high spirits temperatures often make tomato flavor to decline . pluck fruits early when possible gives you the good prospect of fully ripe , delicious tomatoes .
Location, Location, Location
Where you posit your tomato garden factors into how much heat focus plants experience . invalidate hot south - facing wall and asphalt that radiate heat . Instead , locate tomatoes where they ’ll have memory access to cooling breezes .
Union - face sites and areas shaded by trees or buildings in the good afternoon help cushion tomatoes from intense fair weather and heat . If potential , position your garden near a body of water which moderates temperature .
The hardiness zone map allow clues about potentially blistering microclimates . Know your zona and pair of seasons to take suitable tomato varieties and weather condition - wise planting time .
Start Plants Indoors
Getting a head start out on the season by growing transplant indoors provide you to time Lycopersicon esculentum planting based on weather conditions . indurate off and transpose partially mature plants once soil has warmed minimizes photograph to extreme heat .
Monitor for Problems
heating plant and drought stressed tomatoes are magnets for pest and disease . Be vigilant about hold in for early signs of tomato troubles . Remove damaged leaves immediately to keep infections from spreading .
Control love apple hornworms , flea beetles , pinch , and other pests before they get out of hand . Keep the garden goodly by promptly removing any dead or drop dead foliation . dear sanitization is key to fend off issues .
Know When to Call It Quits
Some years , the oestrus is just too much for tomato to take . If your plants are repeatedly wilt no matter how much you irrigate , it may be time to draw them out .
There ’s no ignominy in throwing in the trowel if week of eminent temperatures have fried your Lycopersicon esculentum harvest . Give it another go in the fall when conditions are cooler , or design to jump love apple earlier next spring .
Enjoy the Bounty of Heat-Loving Tomatoes
Do n’t rent high-pitched temperatures deter you from grow tomatoes . With hotness - tolerant varieties , tolerable water , and a little shade , you may harvest bushel of summertime ’s preferred fruit .
Pay attention to tomato preferences , but do n’t stress over accomplish perfect conditions . Focus on ways to keep plants as cool and comfortable as potential . continue alert to ripen tomato plant , and plunk frequently to stay ahead of the heating system .
With a little trial and error , you’re able to identify the best methods for growing tomatoes successfully despite Mother Nature ’s attempts to turn up the rut . remain overconfident and enjoy the fruits of your drive !
Get Your Tomatoes Through Hot (Maybe Humid) Weather
FAQ
How hot is too hot for a tomato works ?
At what temperature should I cover my tomato plants ?
How do you protect Lycopersicon esculentum in 100 stage heat ?
Can tomatoes deal 90 degree weather ?
