Why Are My Tomatoes Not Turning Red Right Now?
This post shows you why your home grown tomatoes are not turning red!
Tomatoes are the first vegetable I grew when I started a container garden and I believe it’s one of the most rewarding plants to grow!
There’s nothing like picking a sun-warmed, homegrown tomato (that you grew from seed!) off the vine and taking a bite.
Home-grown tomatoes are juicy, flavorful, and taste better than anything from a grocery store. While easy to grow, they can also be a little… picky.
You plant them in good soil, give them water, and watch them grow tall, but then you’re left staring at green tomatoes that refuse to turn red.
So, what’s going on? Why are my tomatoes not turning red? Let’s find the root of the problem and most importantly, what you can do about it!
Tomatoes Take Their Time
First off, it’s important to know that tomatoes ripen on their own schedule. The environment has to be ideal.
And they don’t like being rushed, they take their time getting ready. Just like me.
Even if they look big and fully grown, that doesn’t mean they’re ready to turn red.
Usually, tomatoes take about six to eight weeks from the time they first appear on the vine to fully ripen.
If your tomatoes are still green and firm, try not to freak out. This is completely normal.
However, if they seem stuck in that green stage for longer than expected, it might be time to try and troubleshoot.
Why Your Tomatoes Aren’t Turning Red
There are several reasons why your tomatoes might be taking their sweet time turning red.
Here are the most common culprits to be aware of:
1. The Temperature Isn’t Right
Tomatoes are sensitive to temperature. If it’s too hot (above 85°F) or too cold (below 50°F), their ripening process slows down or even stops.
Tomatoes produce two key pigments—lycopene and carotene—that give them their red color, but extreme temperatures in either direction can delay this process.
Solution: If it’s too hot, provide shade for your plants during the hottest part of the day. If it’s too cold, consider covering them at night or bringing potted plants indoors when temperatures drop.
2. The Tomatoes Aren’t Getting Enough Sun
Tomatoes love the sun! They need at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight per day to ripen properly.
If they’re in a shady spot or not getting enough light, they’ll stay green for longer.
Solution: Move potted tomato plants to a sunnier location. If your garden tomatoes are shaded by taller plants, consider pruning to let in light.
Note: Summers are getting hotter year after year so take this advice with a grain of salt. I live in Florida and you can grow tomatoes better in the shade during the summer months!
3. The Plant Is Focusing on Growth, Not Ripening
Is your tomato plant putting all its energy into growing more leaves instead of ripening fruit? The plant may not have enough of the right nutrients.
This is especially common if they’ve been over-fertilized with nitrogen-rich fertilizers.
Solution: If your plant looks lush and full but the tomatoes aren’t ripening, cut back on fertilizer.
Switch to a low-nitrogen, phosphorus-rich fertilizer to encourage fruit development.
4. The Variety Takes Longer to Ripen
Not all tomatoes ripen at the same speed.
Some varieties, like cherry tomatoes, ripen quickly, while larger beefsteak tomatoes can take much longer.
If you planted a late-season variety, you might just need a little extra patience.
Solution: Check the seed packet or plant tag for the estimated ripening time and adjust your expectations accordingly.
5. The Tomatoes Need a Little Help
If your tomatoes are taking forever to ripen, you can try and help them out.
One trick is to cut back some of the plant’s leaves so the fruit gets more sunlight.
Another is to gently twist the tomato on the vine—this can sometimes signal to the plant that it’s time to start ripening.
Solution: Try pruning some of the lower leaves and see if that helps speed up the process.
You can also place a ripe banana near tomatoes!
How to Grow Tomatoes
If you’re a beginner to gardening, try growing tomatoes of a smaller pot variety for more control over soil, water, and sunlight.
Here are 5 tips to help grow healthy tomatoes:
1. Choose the Right Container
Tomato plants need room to grow. Pick a container that’s at least 5 gallons in size, with good drainage holes at the bottom. The bigger the pot, the better, it helps the roots spread out and keeps the plant stable.
2. Use High-Quality Potting Soil
Avoid using garden soil for any potted plants as it’s too dense and may have pests. Go for a light, well-draining potting mix that’s rich in organic matter. Add compost or worm castings to give your tomatoes an extra nutrient boost.
3. Water Consistently
Tomatoes don’t like to dry out, but they also don’t like soggy roots. Keep the soil moist. Water once a day in hot weather, and check the soil before watering to avoid overdoing it.
4. Give Them Plenty of Sunlight
Tomatoes love sun, so place your pots in a spot where they’ll get at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight everyday. If you’re growing on a balcony with limited sun, consider using grow lights to supplement natural light.
5. Support the Plant with a Cage or Stake
Even in a pot, tomato plants need support to keep them from sprawling all over the place. Use a cage, trellis, or stake to help plants grow and keep the fruit off the ground. This also improves air circulation, reducing the risk of disease.
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This Post Asks Why Are My Tomatoes Not Turning Red?
Growing tomatoes is a journey filled with victories, surprises, and challenges. If tomatoes aren’t turning red, remember nature takes its time. With patience, those green fruits will eventually ripen into delicious, homegrown tomatoes.
