Temperature Range to Grow Tomatoes

Tomato plants tolerate temperatures that are less than 55 degrees and over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, but after a few days of extreme to low or high temperatures, the plant will experience blossom drop. Tomatoes thrive when grown in temperatures that range between 70 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

Night Temperature For Tomatoes

Native to the subtropical regions of Central and South America, tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum) have very specific growing requirements. They need full sun, rich soil and warm temperatures. Cat-facing, which is puckers, scars and cracks on the blossom end of the fruit, occurs when nighttime temperatures drop below 60 degrees F. Consistently high nighttime temperatures can also cause problems in tomato plants. Once planted, cover young tomato plants with plastic, water-filled cloches. These cloches can protect tomato plants down to 15 degrees F. and allow you to plant them two or three weeks earlier. In hot regions, try varieties bred to withstand heat and humidity, such as "Arkansas Marvel" (Lycopersicon esculentum "Arkansas Marvel"), "Mortgage Lifter" (Lycopersicon esculentum "Mortgage Lifter") or "Homestead 24" (Lycopersicon esculentum "Homestead 24").