Once temperatures get above 90° F during the day (or above 75° at night), tomato plants are very susceptible to blossom drop, or the flowers fail to pollinate, resulting in a poor (or nonexistent) tomato crop. In areas where such temperatures are normal for midsummer, many gardeners focus on tomatoes more in the spring and early fall instead of fighting the elements in the heat of summer.

If you do grow tomatoes in hot summer weather, keep them well mulched and regularly watered. If you take care of the plants, they may recover and begin producing again when the temperatures cool a bit. Although the flavor of a tomato is largely tied to the variety, less stressed plants will produce better-tasting tomatoes as well.

More and more varieties of tomatoes are being developed that are touted as “heat tolerant,” with varying reports of success and flavor. Here are a few examples you might try:

  • Solar Fire
  • Solar Set
  • Sun Leaper
  • Heat Wave
  • Sun-master
  • Sure Fire

Further Information

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Danny Lipford

Danny Lipford

Founder

Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

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