Can tomatoes survive frost?

Author: Dr. Oleta Bechtelar  |  Last update: Sunday, August 31, 2025

How much cold can tomatoes tolerate in the fall weather? Covering tomatoes usually provides adequate protection from frost and light freezes. However, the foliage and fruit will likely suffer damage should the overnight temperature fall to 28 degrees F (-2.2 C) or below for several hours.

What is the lowest temperature tomato plants can tolerate?

Another temperature to keep in mind: tomato plants will not survive in temperatures below 35 degrees Fahrenheit, and will not thrive at temperatures below 50 degrees. Gardeners can use a frost date calendar to note their region's average dates of last frost in spring and first frost in fall.

What to do with tomatoes when frost comes?

Yes, pinch or cut off the obviously frosted leaves and stems. Tomato plants will usually develop new branching stems and leaves if they are lightly nipped by frost. The cold will set them back a little but they should make up for lost time once the weather warms up. Good luck with your tomatoes!

When can you leave tomato plants out overnight?

You don't leave them outside at night unless it's a few weeks past their typical last frost date, and at least 10C at night. Also, since your tomatoes are greenhouse-grown, they need to be gradually hardened off.

Do I need to cover my tomato plants?

Frost tender plants like tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, beans, squash and melons cannot take a frost and need to be protected if a storm comes through. Today I want to share with you 3 low tech frost protection systems that you can create to protect your precious seedlings and transplants from a damaging frost.

Can Tomato Plants Survive Frost?

At what temperature should you cover your tomato plants at night?

It's sunny again… wait… ), but some vegetables won't be happy (and grow into incredibly prolific tomato producers - yes, I'm talking to you, tomato fanatics) if you don't protect them until night temperatures warm up consistently to 50 degrees and above.

Should I water my tomatoes every night?

So it may well be that you have to water your tomato plants several times a day or just once or twice a week. The only thing that really helps here is to observe carefully. Basically, however, only water when your tomatoes really need it. The roots also need air, so drowning them in water won't help.

How to protect a plant from frost?

Keep plants protected with a row or plant cover, or garden blanket. Another option: burlap. Take caution with roses and stick to insulating only, as roses should not be covered. Remember, garden blankets are designed for short periods during overnight frosts and light freezes.

How cold can cucumber plants tolerate?

Below 63°F, cucumbers do not grow. In such conditions, plants sit in the soil and become susceptible to damages caused by pests in the soil. With that said, check soil temperatures and be sure they are above 63°F before planting cucumbers.

Can tomato plants recover from frost damage?

Hi Sylve, it is unlikely your plants will recover, tomatoes loathe frost.

Can you pick green tomatoes and let them ripen?

If you're seeing a bit of red on those green tomatoes, picking them individually and bringing them inside may be the best chance for ripening tomatoes. Like many fruits, tomatoes continue to ripen once they've been picked.

What temperature is frost at?

Q: Can frost occur at temperatures above 32°F? A1: No, frost is defined as a layer of ice that forms on surfaces that are at or below 32°F.

Should I pick green tomatoes before a frost?

However, if your tomatoes have reached their mature size—regardless of being green—they are worth harvesting before a frost. Keep in mind that completely green tomatoes usually do not ripen well indoors.

What temperature is too cold for potted plants?

Most houseplants are native to tropical areas and will not tolerate freezing temperatures. Many indoor plants will see damage when temperatures drop to the mid to lower 40s°F and nearly all will die if exposed to below freezing temperatures.

What is the most cold tolerant tomato?

To help you pick, we've listed the best varieties of open pollinated tomatoes for colder regions by days to maturity:
  • Manitoba Tomato (55-60 days)
  • Moskvich Tomato (65 days)
  • Grushovka Tomato (65 days)
  • Siberian Tomato (70 days)
  • Principe Borghese Tomato (75 days)
  • Arbuznyi Tomato (75 days)
  • Principe Borghese Tomato.

Will a garbage bag protect plants from frost?

Despite its convenience, there's one item you should stay away from to cover your plants. If you're looking for tips for protecting your plants from frost, avoid using garbage bags as plant covers. Trash bags are not the best protection against frost damage, primarily due to their material.

Should I cover my plants at 35 degrees?

Covering plant material at temperatures between 39-30 with freeze cloth or covering can be effective. Prolonged exposure at temperatures of 28 degrees and below will notice protection results diminish with each degree dropped.

Should you water plants before a freeze?

Thoroughly Water plants if it won't rain before the freezing temperatures arrive. It may sound illogical. However, the moist ground stays warmer than dry soil. Watering the night before the freeze will insulate the grass and plants' root structure and decrease the potential for cold injury.

Do tomatoes prefer morning or afternoon sun?

Depending on where you live, you might want to expose your tomatoes to morning sunlight, to afternoon sunlight, or to a combination of the two. Morning sunlight provides high-intensity light without excessive heat, therefore you should consider morning exposure if you live in a region with a hot climate.

Can you grow tomatoes in the same spot every year?

Try to plant tomatoes in a different spot every year, rotating through your garden space every three to four years. Planting them in the same place allows disease pathogens that are specific to tomatoes to build up in the soil. By moving them around in the garden each year, you can break up the disease cycle.

How many days can tomatoes go without water?

Soil that contains a lot of sand doesn't hold water well and dries quickly. Because of this, tomato plants growing in sandy soil may need to be watered more often, about every three or four days. Clay soil, on the other hand, holds water well. Plants growing in clay soil usually only need to be watered once a week.

What to cover tomatoes with for frost?

Several inexpensive materials can be used to protect young tomato plants including old-fashioned glass cloches, milk jugs and soda bottles.

Can you reuse soil from tomato grow bags?

I pour the bags out over a sifter, so 100 percent of what was growing underground remains intact and the soil can be saved and reused.

Will cardboard boxes protect plants from frost?

Place cardboard boxes, large trash cans, or plastic tubs over outdoor plants. Be sure to cover the plants all the way to the ground. The warmth from the soil is what keeps the plant warm, since the soil takes longer to freeze.

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