How Hardy are Tomato Plants?

Young tomato plants are very sensitive to temperature.

Tomatoes are easy to grow in home gardens, but temperature is an important concern. Tomatoes are not hardy enough to tolerate sub-freezing temperatures, and a hard frost can literally wipe out your crop overnight.

Expert Insight

The University of Illinois has classified garden vegetables as either hardy, half-hardy, tender, or very tender according to temperature sensitivity. Tomatoes are considered very tender.

Time Frame

You should plant tomatoes outside only after all danger of frost has passed. In many areas, it would be wise to wait until two or three weeks after the last average frost date for your region. This can be as early as January in Florida or as late as June in New England. Frost dates for various states are available through most University Extension websites.

Considerations

In some areas, late-season tomatoes may not be ripe by fall; this puts them in danger of damage from autumn frosts. If you are worried about your tomatoes, you can pick them while still green and store them wrapped in paper at 60 to 65 degrees. They will ripen gradually and stay fresh for several weeks.

References

• University of Illinois Extension: Step 6 - Plant Your Vegetables Right
• Ohio State University: Growing Tomatoes in the Home Garden
• University of New Hampshire: Growing Tomatoes
• Virginia Cooperative Extension: Tomatoes
• University of Missouri: Growing Home Garden Tomatoes