The tomato is an import from a warmer climate to Britain so it’s no surprise that the ideal temperatures for growing tomatoes are higher than is usual outdoors here. Tomatoes can be grown successfully outdoors in the warmer parts of Britain, if the weather is kind.
‘Wild’ tomatoes used to be a common feature around sewerage works in the south of England. The reason being that the seed will pass through the gut and use our manure as fertiliser. Down in the south and south east it was just about warm enough for tomatoes to grow and fruit.
Tomato Varieties for Cooler Climates
Some varieties have been bred for cooler climates, notably Glacier and Sub Arctic Plenty.
Sub Arctic Plenty Tomato
The Sub Arctic Plenty tomato was developed after WW2 by the US military to supply troops stationed in Iceland with a fresh tomato despite a very challenging climate. Being able to thrive in cooler temperatures reduced greenhouse heating costs.
Glacier is a Swedish bush (determinate) ultra-early variety that starts to produce ripe fruit in just 55 days from germination. Ideal for the short summer season enjoyed in much of Scandinavia.
In general though tomatoes require a temperature between 15ºC and 32ºC to survive.
Germination Temperatures for Tomatoes
The minimum temperature to germinate tomatoes is 15ºC but germination will be faster and more certain at 20ºC to 24ºC
Growing Temperatures for Tomatoes
Tomatoes can tolerate a night time temperature falling to 13.5ºC but if the daytime temperature falls below 15ºC for a week or more, growth will be stunted at best and crops reduced.
If night time temperatures drop below 13.5ºC, pollen fails to develop and flowers that open the following morning will not set fruit.
If growing in cloches or other shelter outdoors, the soil temperature should be over 12.5ºC although warmer is better.
The ideal temperature for tomatoes growth and fruit production ranges between 20ºC and 24ºC
Too Hot for Tomatoes!
It is common for home greenhouse growers to raise temperatures too high, especially in a hot summer. Just as we suffer when it’s too hot, so does the tomato plant. Energy that could be profitably going into fruit or growth is diverted into temperature control
Once temperatures rise above 27ºC plants really begin to suffer and above 32ºC fruit will fail to set.
In countries that enjoy a hot climate, tomatoes are often grown under shade for those reasons.
Further Information: Tomato Growing Guides
- Grow Unusual Tomatoes!
- Types of Tomatoes – An Introduction to Tomato Growing Part 1
- Sowing and Starting off Tomatoes – Introduction to Tomato Growing Part 2
- Growing Tomatoes in a Tomato Grow-house (Mini-Greenhouse)
- Growing Tomatoes in a Greenhouse
- Growing Tomatoes in the Greenhouse Border
- Growing Tomatoes in Pots or Grow Bags in the Greenhouse
- Growing Tomatoes by Ring Culture
- Growing Tomatoes in Straw Bales
- Growing Tomatoes Outdoors
- Planting & Growing Tomatoes Outdoors
- Growing Patio Tomatoes – Dwarf Bush Variety Patio Tomatoes
- Water Requirements for Tomatoes
- Ideal Temperatures for Growing Tomatoes
- Removing Tomato Side Shoots (Suckers) & Stopping Tomatoes
- Best Tomato Varieties – My Top Tasty Tomato Picks
- Heirloom Tomatoes (Heritage Tomatoes)
- Best Tomatoes for Greenhouse Growing
- Tomato Troubles & Diseases | Causes & Cures of Tomato Problems
- Raising Tomato Plants from Seed