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.
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.
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.
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.
So when temperatures start dipping below 50º F, leave the tomatoes on the vine if warmer days and nights are forecast.
If you're trying to squeeze a few more days/weeks out of your pepper harvest and the temperatures are dropping at or below 40˚ F, we recommend covering your peppers with frost cloth or a small hoop house with greenhouse film to keep them warm during the cold nights if you can to help them keep producing.
Even prolonged exposure to temperatures below 55 degrees F. (13 C.) can cause decay, pitting, and water-soaked areas on fruit. Sudden cold snaps can cause cucumber plant damage on leaves, stems, and fruit or even kill the plants.
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.
The ideal temperature for ripening is 68°-78°F or 20°-26°C. Extreme temperatures can halt ripening, but green tomatoes can be picked and ripened indoors.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
6-8 hours of direct sunlight needed for cucumbers to flourish. 🌞 Full sun boosts yield; full shade hinders growth and fruiting.
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.
A general rule of thumb is to water deeply once or twice a week, though this can vary based on weather conditions and soil type. For example, sandy soils may need more frequent watering, while clay soils retain moisture longer and may require less frequent watering. It's best to water your peppers in the early morning.
❄️ Signs of Cold Stress
Daytime temperatures below 65°F can lead to fruit set failure—the pepper equivalent of stage fright. At night, anything under 50°F is an invitation to leaf curl and overall plant stress. It's like the plants are pulling their leaves up to their chins, trying to keep warm.
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.)
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.
Choose an early-maturing variety
Try Early Girl (50 days), Bush Early Girl (54 days), Juliet (60 days), Celebrity (65 days), Husky Cherry Red (65 days), or Super Sweet 100 (65 days).