What is the lowest temperature tomato plants can tolerate?

Author: Ms. Verda Crooks  |  Last update: Wednesday, December 17, 2025

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.

Is 40 degrees too cold for tomato plants?

Tomato seedlings suffer cold damage in temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Some tomato varieties are bred to be more cold-tolerant and can set fruit when it's below 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

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.

Can tomatoes handle 50 degrees at night?

Scientists in the ARS Photosynthesis Research Unit at Urbana, Illinois, have discovered a drop in the overnight temperature below 50°F can create a biochemical version of mission impossible for some crops like tomatoes, soybeans, and corn.

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.

What is the lowest temperature tomato plants can tolerate?

When can I put my potted tomato plants outside?

When the tomato plants are about 10 to 12 inches tall and the last chance of frost has passed in your growing zone, it's time to plant the tomato seedlings in the garden or patio container.

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 peppers survive 40 degrees?

So will peppers survive 40 degrees? To sum it up, most peppers won't necessarily DIE from 40˚ F temperatures, but their growth can be stunted, and they may be slow to recover so it's best to keep them warm if possible.

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.

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.

Is it better to water tomato plants in the morning or evening?

TOMATO WATERING TIPS

Water in the morning to the keep the soil moist through the heat of the day. Always water at the base of the plant — watering from above invites disease. Check tomatoes growing in pots often since they dry out quickly. Be consistent — fluctuations in water supply lead to cracking and blossom end ...

Can tomatoes survive one night of frost?

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.

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.

What is the night temperature for tomatoes?

Tomato Plants and Temperature

Tomato temperature tolerance for extreme heat or cold snaps is of extreme importance to the development of blossoms and subsequent fruit set. Blossom drop will occur in the spring if daytime temperatures are warm but night temps drop below 55 F. (13 C.).

Should I cover my plants at 40 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.

How to keep tomato plants warm at night?

Fabric is a better choice because it will let moisture out while holding onto some heat from the earth. You could also cover the plants with buckets or storage totes and place hot water bottles near them. Also, my sympathies for the late frost.

What cold temp kills tomato plants?

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 is the hardiest tomato plant?

The hardiest ones aren't always the tastiest, but the varieties I have found to be very hardy are Cole and Mongolian Dwarf. (Both are great in cooler climates/short growing seasons and both are open-pollinated.)

What temperature do cherry tomatoes like to grow in?

Temperature And Humidity

Tomatoes are not cold-hardy. Wait until the final frost passes before planting or moving cherry tomatoes outside—the temperatures should remain above 60° F. In high humidity, cherry tomatoes need moderate temperatures—70° to 80°—as warmer temperatures can suspend harvest growth.

What is the nighttime temperature for peppers?

In the case of peppers, the ideal daytime temperature is 21-26°C (70-80°F). The ideal nighttime temperature is 18-21°C (65-70°F). Of course, these ranges may vary, depending on the pepper varieties you grow. Pepper plants may still grow outside of the ideal temperature range.

Will plants survive 37 degrees?

Seedlings, with their tender new leaves, often give up the ghost when temperatures dip to 32-33°F. Tropical plants have differing low-temperature thresholds. Some keel over when temps fall to 40°F; others crumble at 35°F. Other plants are just hardy by nature and can withstand temperatures as low as 18-20°F.

How cold can eggplant plants tolerate?

Eggplant loves hot weather and will produce the best crop in a long, hot summer. They are more sensitive to cold temperatures than either tomatoes or peppers. Temperatures below 50°F will harm the plants, and any frost will kill them. Also, the fruit won't set when temperatures dip below 60°F.

How cold can zucchini plants tolerate?

Zucchini is a warm-season crop that cannot tolerate frost or freezing temperatures, so its best to plant your zucchini in the early summer, when temperatures are at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit or more.

What temperature should cucumbers be at night?

60-95°F day, 60-68°F night for healthy cucumber growth. Consistent temperature prevents stress, ensuring cucumber productivity. Address stress with shading, watering, and temperature control methods.

Can plants grow at 40 degrees?

Each plant has a different threshold when it comes to dealing with the cold. Some plants can survive outside even when temperatures hit freezing. Others need to be brought indoors when temperatures reach the mid-40s. Be sure you know this before you plant.

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