Tomato & Pepper Blossom Drop in Florida: Cold Nights & Container Fixes

Florida container gardener: tomatoes & peppers dropping flowers. Nights 30‑40°F, high winds. Covers plants but thinks it only keeps alive, not blooming. Asks if should bring in at night or use lights.

Cause: Cold Nights

• Tomatoes: pollen sterile <50°F night.
• Peppers: even more cold‑sensitive.
• Wind increases chill/drying.

Container Advantage: Move Them!

1. Bring indoors at night (garage, laundry room) when forecast <50°F.
2. Daytime: Full sun outside.
3. Indoor lights: Not needed for survival; but if keeping in 24/7, need 14‑hr strong grow lights.

Don't Overheat Indoors

Keep indoor temp ≤65°F to avoid disrupting dormancy/cycles.

Outdoor Protection (If Not Moving)

• Row cover (Reemay) + stake frame (don't touch plants).
• Windbreak (burlap screen).
• Water well before freeze (moist soil buffers temp).

Bottom Line

Moving pots indoors at night is the simplest, most effective fix for cold‑induced blossom drop.