Can Tomato Plants Get Sunburned? Here's What You Need to Know

It’s no secret that tomatoes love the sun. They’re a warm weather crop that requires at least six hours of sunlight a day to produce fruit.

But what happens when they get too much sun?

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Can Tomato Plants Get Sunburned?

Yes, tomato plants can get sunburned. If the leaves of the plant are exposed to too much direct sunlight, they can get sunburned. This can cause the leaves to turn brown and die.

If you’ve ever gotten sunburned, you know how painful it can be. The skin turns red and feels hot to the touch. Sunburned skin is damaged skin. And just like our skin, the leaves of tomato plants can get sunburned too.

There are different degrees of sunburn on plants. The severity of the sunburn will depend on how long the plant was exposed to the sun and how intense the sunlight was.

Sunburned plants are not uncommon. If you live in an area with a lot of sun, it’s a good idea to check your plants regularly for signs of sunburn.

So What Are the Symptoms of Sunburnt Tomato Plants?

There are a few symptoms that may indicate that your tomato plants have been sunburnt. These include:

1. The leaves of the plant may turn yellow or brown and curl up.

2. The stems and branches may become brittle and break.

3. The fruit of the plant may become sunburned, with brown or black patches.

4. The plant may stop growing and producing fruit.

How Much Sun Should Tomato Plants Get?

When it comes to tomato plants, how much sun they get is important. Too much sun can cause sunburn, while not enough sun can result in lackluster fruit production. So, how much sun should tomato plants get?

There are a few things to consider when it comes to determining how much sun your tomato plants should get. The first is the type of tomato plant you are growing. Some tomato varieties are more tolerant of shade than others.

If you are growing a shade-tolerant variety, then your plants can handle less sun.

The second thing to consider is the time of year. During the summer, when the sun is strongest, your plants will need more shade. During the spring and fall, when the sun is not as strong, they can handle more sun.

Finally, consider your location. If you live in an area with extremely hot summers, your plants will need more shade. If you live in an area with milder summers, they can handle more sun.

In general, most tomato plants need between 6-8 hours of sun per day. However, there are some varieties that can get by with as little as four hours of sun per day. If you are unsure how much sun your plants need, ask your local nursery or extension office for advice.

Will My Tomato Plant Recover from Sunburn?

If your tomato plant has suffered from sunburn, it is possible for it to recover. However, the extent of the damage will determine how well it recovers. If the sunburn is severe, the leaves of the plant may turn yellow or brown and the plant may stop producing fruit.

If the sunburn is not too severe, the leaves may turn yellow or brown, but the plant will continue to produce fruit.

What Should I Do If My Tomato Plants Get Sunburned?

If your tomato plants are sunburned, there are a few things you can do to help them recover. First, if possible, move the plants to a shadier location.

If they are in a container, you can move them to a different spot or put them under a tree. If they are in the ground, you may need to build a temporary shade structure over them.

Second, water the plants more frequently than usual. Sunburned plants will need extra moisture to recover.

Third, apply a thin layer of mulch to the soil around the plants. This will help protect the roots from the sun and keep the soil moist.

Fourth, if the leaves are badly sunburned, they may need to be removed. Cut off any leaves that are brown or black. Once the leaves have been removed, the plant will be able to focus its energy on producing new ones.

Finally, be patient. It may take a few weeks for your plants to recover from sunburn. But with proper care, they should eventually bounce back and produce plenty of delicious tomatoes for you to enjoy.

How Can I Prevent Sunburn on Tomato Plants?

There are a few things that you can do to prevent sunburn on your tomato plants.

First, make sure that you provide adequate shade for your plants. If you live in an area with hot summers, consider planting your tomatoes in a shady spot. You can also use a shading cloth to cover your plants during the hottest hours of the day.

Second, water your plants regularly. tomato plants need about 1-2 inches of water per week. Watering in the morning will give the plants time to absorb the water before the hot sun hits them.

Third, use a mulch to help protect the roots of your plants. A layer of mulch will help to keep the roots cool and moist.

Fourth, try to avoid using any herbicides or pesticides on your plants. These chemicals can damage the leaves and make them more susceptible to sunburn.

By following these tips, you can help to prevent sunburn on your tomato plants.

Final Thoughts:
If you think your tomato plant may be sunburned, inspect it for symptoms like wilted leaves, discoloration, and scorched areas. To prevent sunburn, make sure to give your tomato plant plenty of water and shade it from direct sunlight during the hottest hours of the day.

If your tomato plant is sunburned, you can try to nurse it back to health by moving it to a shadier spot and giving it extra water and TLC.