Will Excessively Hot Weather Cause Tomato Plants to Wilt?

Many gardeners start tomatoes indoors, out of the cold.

Tomatoes are summertime plants that die in temperatures under 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Tomatoes that experience excessively hot temperatures require specialized care.

The Facts

Tomatoes are warm-weather plants that die in frost or cold temperatures. These plants should never go into the garden if there is frost on the ground, or if nighttime temperatures are under 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

Ideal

According to the University of Missouri Extension, ideal temperatures for tomato production are between 70 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. These temperatures encourage deep red, firm and juicy fruits.

Hot Weather

Also according to the University of Missouri Extension, temperatures over 92 degrees may damage tomato fruit and cause fruit to develop white sections.

Tomato Wilting

Hot weather makes tomato plant growth more difficult as well. Tomatoes may wilt and fail under the heavy heat and burning sun of particularly hot areas.

Resolution

During hot spells, tomato plants should receive increased watering to encourage more moisture in the soil and prevent wilt. Tomatoes in pots can be moved into semi-shade to protect them from hot, burning sun.

References

• University of Illinois Extension: Watch Your Garden Grow: Tomato
• University of Missouri Extension: Growing Home Garden Tomatoes