Mini tomatoes very slow growing and still green (2024)

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Mini tomatoes very slow growing and still green? ›

Ambient temperatures above 85 degrees Fahrenheit or soil temperatures above 80 degrees are the primary reasons tomato plants put the brakes on ripening. Occasionally, a plant is so heavily laden with green fruits that it simply lacks the energy to support them all to ripening.

The most common reason tomatoes take a long time to ripen is too much heat from temperatures that remain above 85 degrees F. This slows the production of lycopene, the pigment that gives tomatoes their red color. The best temperature range for ripening tomatoes is 68 to 77 degrees F.

Lack of water from drought or improper care is the number one reason tomato fruit won't grow. It is recommended that you never allow your tomato plants to wilt. The soil should be kept consistently moist or the plants may show signs of stress such as wilting, leaf drop, or tomatoes that are too small.

Tomatoes grow best in warm soil; chilly soil will slow their growth. If your garden beds are covered with mulch, pull it back in early spring to expose the soil to the sun's warmth. Placing a sheet of clear plastic over the bed will also help.

Why Tomatoes Aren't Ripening. Among the most common reasons for tomatoes not ripening are high temperatures, too much nitrogen in the soil, too many fruits on one plant, and the type of tomato you're growing.