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.
Climate. Transplant outdoors after nighttime low temperatures are above 50°F. Dry soil, temperatures above 90°F, or night temperatures below 60°F or above 70°F, can weaken plant growth.
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.
Before the Risk of Frostbite: If you're growing pepper varieties that are especially sensitive to cold, consider bringing them indoors even earlier, when nighttime temperatures are consistently above 55°F. This will help prevent any potential damage to the plants.
How Cold Can Tomatoes Tolerate? Tomato seeds won't germinate when the soil temperature is below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. 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.
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.
When to Bring Tomatoes Back Inside. Potted tomatoes that have been moved outdoors should be moved back inside before nighttime temperatures fall below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Tomato plants crave warmth and do not react well to cold temperatures.
However, warm-season vegetables such as peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, melons and squash can be damaged if the temperature drops to 33 F. Consider these tips to help protect your plants as temperatures drop. * Cover plants at night.
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.
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.
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.
Frost Hardy
Root crops develop more sugars when the soil temperature is below 40 degrees Fahrenheit; and Brussels sprouts are often best after a light freeze. Among the hardiest vegetables are cole crops, which can tolerate moderate freezes (24 to 28 degrees Fahrenheit) : Broccoli, cauliflower (26 degrees Fahrenheit)
For pepper plants, a balanced fertilizer with equal proportions of Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K) is recommended. However, pepper plants respond positively to higher nitrogen concentrations during the flowering stage.
The morning sun is favorable because it is less intense than the afternoon sun. If your plant receives at least 6-12 hours of sunlight, it will have more energy to grow tall and strong. If your plant only receives 6 hours or less of sunlight, it will likely have a smaller harvest.
Peppers may also be grown very successfully in containers. Peppers thrive when temperatures are warm. Being sensitive to the cold, planting should be delayed until the danger of frost is past in the spring. Ideal temperatures are 70°F to 80°F during the day, and 60°F to 70° F at night.
Morning watering is actually preferable to evening watering as the plant has time to dry before the sun goes down. At night, water tends to rest in the soil, around the roots, and on the foliage, which encourages rot, fungal growth, and insects.
Overwatering is like that overbearing friend who doesn't know when to leave. It smothers your pepper plant, causing its leaves to droop. They're so full of water, they curl in on themselves, looking like they've been hitting the gym too hard.
Peppers really like temperatures above 55-60˚ F if possible, so covering them on cold nights or during cold weather is best. The same goes for tomatoes, basil, and other warm-season vegetables! Keep them warm if possible.
So when temperatures start dipping below 50º F, leave the tomatoes on the vine if warmer days and nights are forecast. But if temperatures have started on a steady downward slide, go ahead and pick the mature green tomatoes and bring them indoors.
Tomato plants can suffer from chilling injuries when temperatures are between 0 °C to 5 °C . Pepper plants can also suffer from chilling injury if temperatures stay between 0 to 10 °C (32 to 50 °F ) for a long time. This injury may appear as puckered leaves and stunted growth.
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.
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.
Discard Tomato Plants
You will know when your tomato plants are done for the season. They'll stop producing new foliage and fruit and will begin to look peaked. You can pull the entire plant out, roots and all, or cut them at the base and allow the roots to decompose.