As global temperatures continue to rise, understanding the heat tolerance of different vegetable and fruit crops is essential for farmers and gardeners alike. While many crops can withstand temporary heat stress, prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures can cause irreversible damage, reducing yields or even leading to plant death. Hereās a look at the maximum temperatures that popular vegetable and fruit crops can endure before suffering critical damage.
| Crop | Maximum Temperature (Ā°C/Ā°F) | Survival with Water | Survival without Water |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) | 35Ā°C (95Ā°F) | 2ā3 days | Less than 1 day |
| Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) | 40Ā°C (104Ā°F) | 5ā7 days | 2ā3 days |
| Peppers (Capsicum spp.) | 45Ā°C (113Ā°F) | 4ā6 days | 2ā3 days |
| Carrots (Daucus carota) | 40Ā°C (104Ā°F) | 7ā10 days | 3ā4 days |
| Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) | 35Ā°C (95Ā°F) | 5ā6 days | 2 days |
| Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) | 35Ā°C (95Ā°F) | 4ā5 days | 1ā2 days |
| Corn (Zea mays) | 42Ā°C (108Ā°F) | 10ā14 days | 4ā5 days |
| Strawberries (Fragaria Ć ananassa) | 40Ā°C (104Ā°F) | 3ā5 days | 1ā2 days |
| Blueberries (Vaccinium spp.) | 45Ā°C (113Ā°F) | 5ā7 days | 2ā3 days |
| Apples (Malus domestica) | 45Ā°C (113Ā°F) | 10ā14 days | 5ā7 days |
| Citrus (Citrus spp.) | 50Ā°C (122Ā°F) | 14ā20 days | 7ā10 days |
| Bananas (Musa spp.) | 45Ā°C (113Ā°F) | 7ā10 days | 3ā4 days |
| Grapes (Vitis vinifera) | 45Ā°C (113Ā°F) | 10ā14 days | 5ā7 days |
How to Protect Crops from Extreme Heat
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Mulching ā Using organic mulch helps retain soil moisture and regulate soil temperatures.
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Shade Cloth ā Providing temporary shade during extreme heat waves can reduce plant stress.
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Drip Irrigation ā Ensuring consistent moisture levels through drip irrigation helps prevent drought stress.
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Heat-Tolerant Varieties ā Choosing heat-resistant plant varieties improves survival rates.
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Proper Timing ā Planting in the right season minimizes exposure to extreme temperatures.
