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How hot is too hot for tomatoes?

Author

Emily Sparks

Published Jan 09, 2026

When days hit 85°F to 90°F and nights hover above 75°F, tomato flowers often fail to pollinate, then drop — which in turn puts new fruit production on hold. The longer the heat lasts, the longer those tomato flowers will continue to hit the pause button. In short, hot weather can delay your tomato crop.

Is 90 degrees too hot for tomatoes?

When the heat is on, tomato plants take a break: they don't care for excessive heat any more than the rest of us. When daytime temperatures are up in the 90s and nights are in the 70s or warmer, tomato plants may keep on blooming, but the flowers often fall off and fruit does not set.

What temperature will hurt tomatoes?

Tomato plants can tolerate temperatures above freezing (over 32 degrees Fahrenheit) and survive. A temperature of 32 degrees Fahrenheit or below will result in a frost or freeze that will kill unprotected tomato plants.

Is 85 degrees too hot for tomatoes?

Contrary to what many think, tomatoes are not heat lovers. They much prefer 75 to 95. When temperatures get too hot during the day (over 85 degrees) or are too hot overnight (over 70 degrees) many vegetables including tomatoes and peppers will drop their blossoms.

Can tomato plants get too much sun and heat?

Tomato plants that receive too much sun and heat become stressed and fail to flower or drop the flowers and fruits. With proper care, when daytime temperatures drop below 95 degrees Fahrenheit, the plants will recover.

39 related questions found

How do I protect my tomato plants from extreme heat?

6 ways to help your tomato plants withstand the latest heat wave

  1. Shade. “The plant needs shade for developing fruit. ...
  2. Deep water. “The goal is to soak the root ball. ...
  3. Remove colored fruit early. “Don't expect too much from your plants. ...
  4. Mulch. “Mulch. ...
  5. Container plants. Advertisement. ...
  6. Looking ahead.

Why are some of my tomato plant leaves curling?

Heat and low moisture can cause the edges of the tomato leaves to die back, then twist and curl. Hot dry weather may also cause a symptom called physiological leaf roll. This is a self- defense response, where leaves and leaflets curl slightly to prevent further water loss (Fig. 6).

What temp kills tomato seedlings?

Any temperature below 50° F is too cold for tomato plants. The tomato seedlings won't germinate, the young tomato plants will have stunted growth, and the mature tomato plants won't produce fruit. A temperature below 32° F will cause frost that will kill the tomato plants and fruits.

Should you water tomatoes every day in hot weather?

Tomatoes, even in favorable conditions, need regular often watering. If the weather is too hot, you may need to water your plants twice daily. It is better to do it once in the morning and once in the evening. Keeping your soil moist and damp prevent fruit cracking.

Can a greenhouse be too hot for tomatoes?

Anything above 90 degrees Fahrenheit is absolutely too hot for a greenhouse. Even the toughest vegetables, like tomatoes, won't do well above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature for most plants to flourish is somewhere between 80 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

Can tomatoes survive 39 degrees?

Although tomato plants can survive temperatures down to 33 degrees Fahrenheit, they show problems when temperatures drop below 50 degrees F, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Research Service.

Can tomatoes tolerate 40 degrees?

Yes, 40°F at night is cold for tomatoes, and may damage the crop. Tomatoes grow best when daytime temperatures are between 70°F and 85°F, and nighttime temperatures are between 59°F and 68°F. Low nighttime temperatures (below 55 degrees) can inhibit pollen formation and fruit development.

Will my tomato plants survive 40 degrees?

Tomatoes' Temperature Range

Although mature plants might survive light frosts, temperatures below 40 F damage flower and fruit production, making tomatoes perennial only in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 12 and up. Accordingly, they are grown as tender annuals throughout the United States.

Is 95 too hot for tomatoes?

Daytime temperatures consistently above 90° F or night time temperatures consistently above 75° F create all kinds of stress for tomato plants. It's too hot for tomatoes to be pollinated.

How do I cool my tomato plants?

Move hanging baskets and small potted plants to the shade, and water them twice on hot days. If nighttime temperatures remain above 70 degrees Fahrenheit, move a flowering tomato plant indoors or to another cooler area at night; otherwise fruit could fail to set.

Can I water my tomato plants in the sun?

Also, watering tomatoes early in the day cuts down on evaporation, so plants stay hydrated longer. Some gardeners make a strong case for watering in the middle of the day. Midday heat and sun help leaves dry quickly, which increases humidity around plants and cools the leaves.

Should I spray water on tomato plants?

ANSWER: While misting some indoor plants can have benefits for their health, you should not follow the same guidelines with tomato plants or other plants in your outdoor garden. Misting the leaves of these plants would lead to excess moisture, which can cause fungal diseases, rot, and other potentially fatal issues.

Why is it taking so long for my tomatoes to turn red?

Some varieties will mature faster than others, and the temperature is a huge factor too. Tomatoes won't turn red if it's too hot (above 85F) or too cold (below 50F). This is probably the biggest culprit for most people, especially during a heatwave.

Should I cover tomato seedlings?

Wait to transplant your tomato seedlings into the garden until after the average last spring frost date. Be prepared to protect the seedlings with season-extending garden fabric, row covers or plant covers) if a late frost threatens. If all goes well, you'll be harvesting ripe tomatoes in eight weeks or less.

What are the signs of overwatering tomato plants?

The most common signs of overwatered tomato plants may include the yellowing of leaves, as well as cracked fruit and bumps on the lower leaves. If you notice these problems with your tomato plants and continue to overwater them.

Should I water tomatoes every day?

Water newly planted tomatoes well to make sure soil is moist and ideal for growing. Early in the growing season, watering plants daily in the morning. As temperatures increase, you might need to water tomato plants twice a day. Garden tomatoes typically require 1-2 inches of water a week.

Why are bottom leaves of tomato plants turning yellow?

There are many reasons why a tomato plant's leaves turn yellow. Under-watering and over-watering can both cause yellowing leaves, as well as nitrogen deficiencies in the soil, a lack of sunlight on the bottom leaves, or a possible disease (which tomatoes have plenty of).

Will tomatoes grow in 4 hours of sun?

Smaller, determinate patio tomatoes will do well in 4 to 6 hours of sun, and cherry tomato varieties can grow with even less sun. The bigger the tomato, the more sun is needed, so go for smaller varieties if sunshine is an issue.

What happens if tomatoes don't get enough sun?

What Happens If Tomatoes Don't Get Enough Sun? Tomatoes plants need at least six hours of direct sunlight to perform well. Indirect or dappled sunlight is adequate to keep the plants alive; however, they will be stunted and likely not produce much fruit.

Can I put my tomato plants outside yet?

Planting tomatoes outside

Move your tomatoes outside after the last frost in May. Choose a sunny, sheltered spot, where you can plant them into a border (into soil that has had plenty of well-rotted garden compost added), or into 30cm pots, or put two or three plants in a growing bag.