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Q&A - My Tomatoes Would Not Ripen This Summer. Now They Have Lush Growth and Lots of Tomato Clusters That are Staying Green.  Why?

Question:
In the middle of the summer tomatoes can struggle to ripen. Retired UT Extension Agent Mike Dennison says the ideal temperature for tomatoes to ripen is between 66 and 78 degrees. Above or below that temperature and the ripening process will be slowed or even stop. Above 85 degrees it can not produce the pigments to turn red.

Answer:
Chris, director of horticulture Dale Skaggs and retired UT extension agent Mike Dennison discuss what can keep a tomato from ripening.  You have to mind how much sun your tomatoes gets and bear in mind that maintained temperatures over 84 degrees will make them struggle to produce any ripened fruit. Keep these factors in mind and don't panic, the cooler seasons can sometimes give your tomatoes the window of opportunity they need for fresh red fruit.

Related Videos:
Growing Tomatoes
Tomato Pests

Related Resources:
Growing Home Garden Tomatoes
Ripening That Huge Crop of Green Garden Tomatoes
Tomatoes Not Ripening?
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  • Home
  • Watch
    • TV Schedule
    • Full Episodes Online
    • How-to and Informational
    • Questions and Answers
    • This Week in the Garden
    • Garden Notes
  • Garden Topic Collections
    • Pruning Ornamentals: How-to and Information
    • Apple Trees: How-to and Information
    • Peach Trees: How-to and Information
    • Tomatoes: How-to and Information
    • Square Foot Garden Blog
  • Resources
    • Soil Testing
    • Extension Publications
    • Gardening Resources
    • Blogs
    • Organic Gardening
    • Articles
    • Privacy
  • Guests
  • Contact Us
    • Ask a Gardening Gardening Question
  • Search