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NW Washington | Weather conditions also play a big role in how well tomatoes fare each year. Too hot, too cold, too dry, too wet are all factors in tomato production. Here is some AI on this subject.
Tomato Plants And Temperature - Lowest Temperature To Grow ...Tomatoes thrive in temperatures between 65°F and 85°F (with growth stopping and fruit production stalling above 95°F ) or below 50°F.
Extreme heat causes flower drop and sunscald, while cold weather below 50°F inhibits pollination. Consistent watering and shade cloth are crucial for extreme heat management.
Impact of Heat (Above 85°F–95°F+)
Blossom Drop: Temperatures consistently above 85°F–90°F can cause flowers to dry up and fall off without producing fruit.
Reduced Ripening: Above 95°F–100°F, tomatoes stop ripening, and existing fruit can suffer from sunburn.
Survival Mode: Plants stop growing and focus energy on surviving rather than producing fruit.
Management: Use shade cloth to lower temperatures, ensure consistent water to prevent blossom end rot, and harvest early to prevent fruit from getting too soft, say YouTube users and others.
Impact of Cold (Below 50°F–55°F)
Slow Growth: Tomato plants will not thrive or grow properly if temperatures drop below 50°F, notes a Home Depot guide.
Frost Damage: Temperatures below 35°F–40°F can damage or kill plants, say Facebook users.
Management: Cover plants with blankets or frost cloths to protect them from cold nights. +4
Best Conditions for Tomatoes
Optimal Temps: 65–85°F is ideal for fruit set and plant growth.
Water Requirements: High heat requires consistent, deep watering to prevent cracking, especially in sandy soils.
Best Varieties for Extreme Heat: Choose cherry, grape, or specific heat-set hybrids (e.g., Celebrity, Cherokee Purple, Sunold) that are bred to withstand high temperatures.
Bonnie Plants
Ripening in Different Weather
If temperatures are too high or too low, you can pick "mature green" tomatoes (those that have begun to turn a lighter green or slight pink) and ripen them indoors at room temperature, which is often faster and prevents heat damage, notes a Purdue University article.
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More stuff I didn't know. about tomato's
