Tomatoes, those delicious fruits in your garden, go through a fascinating ripening process. It's not as simple as just letting them turn red on the vine. This process is regulated by different hormones, with one important hormone being ethylene. Ethylene is a gas that acts as a signaling molecule to kickstart and coordinate the ripening process. Under ideal conditions, tomatoes go through a well-organized ripening process, changing from green to vibrant red as they mature. However, a study conducted in 2000 found that "Many climacteric fruits are inhibited from ripening or exhibit abnormal ripening at high temperatures," which means your tomatoes might be at risk during heatwaves.
Excessive heat can hinder the production of ethylene or alter its sensitivity in tomatoes. Ethylene plays a crucial role in converting starches into sugars and in the development of color and flavor. During periods of heat stress, this process can be compromised, resulting in tomatoes remaining green and failing to achieve the desired sweetness and ripeness.
How to care for tomatoes in high heat
If you live in a warm climate or are prone to heat waves, you must practice heat-management gardening practices. By employing several strategies, you can encourage tomatoes to ripen efficiently, ensuring a bountiful harvest. One effective approach is to provide adequate shade to mitigate the impact of intense heat. Using shade cloth or planting taller crops nearby can help diffuse sunlight, reducing the stress on tomatoes and preventing excessive heat exposure. Furthermore, maintaining consistent and deep watering practices is crucial. Tomatoes require a well-regulated water supply to support their metabolic processes, especially during periods of heat stress. Deep watering encourages root development and helps plants access moisture even in elevated temperatures.
To ensure a bigger harvest despite the heat, it may be a good idea to plant heat-resistant tomato varieties. For example, heatmaster tomatoes are well-suited for hot climates. These determinate tomatoes are known for their ability to set fruit even in high temperatures, making them an ideal choice for regions with extended periods of heat. Heatmaster tomatoes typically produce medium-sized, round fruits with a rich red color. Pruning can also help improve air circulation and reduce heat stress, ensuring optimal fruit development.
Solar Fire is a type of tomato that is known for its ability to thrive in hot and sunny conditions. These tomatoes have a compact growth habit, which makes them perfect for container gardening or small spaces. Solar Fire tomatoes are small to medium in size and have a strong flavor. To grow these tomatoes successfully in hot climates, it is important to plant them in a location with full sun exposure, water them regularly, and provide support for the plants as they produce fruit.
Sun Gold tomatoes are a popular type of cherry tomato that is loved for its exceptional flavor and ability to tolerate heat. These small, golden-orange tomatoes are known for their sweetness and are a favorite among gardeners in hot climates. Sun Gold tomatoes continue to produce fruit throughout the season, allowing for a long harvest. To maximize success with Sun Gold tomatoes, it is important to provide sturdy support structures, water them consistently to prevent drought stress, and prune them strategically to manage their growth.
