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It has been a very warm winter here in Orlando, FL. So I planted a little early (3 weeks ago) and after about a week, Along came a freakish cold spell for about 4 days. My tomatoe plant was wilting and slouched over. And my red bell peppers looked rough as well.

Now that its warmed up, my Bell peppers look fine, but the tomatoe plant is still looking kind of rough. It's coming back, but I am wondering will they have a rough time producing fruit when it comes time? will they have a bad taste?

These were pre potted plants I bought at Lowe's. I am growing them in clear tinted tote bins using Miracle Grow moisture control soil.

Big box stores are notorious for starting to put out veg and bedding plants for sale when the weather is not ready.

Sometimes, if it gets too cold, tomatoes suffer a set back and just won't compare with healthy plants that are planted later. Just how cold did it get? I think they'd be OK and will recover if temps were not in low 40's or lower for a number of days.

Still, if in doubt, my recommendation is to plant a few more new plants.

But if they are in containers, next time, move them closer to the southern foundation of the house, cover them with something -- old sheets, plastic bag (IF not freezing and you can remove the cover before direct sunlight hits) or bring them inside for the night. Invest in some thermometers at strategic locations so you have a good idea about microclimates around your home.

sen2two wrote: Now that its warmed up, my Bell peppers look fine, but the tomatoe plant is still looking kind of rough. It's coming back, but I am wondering will they have a rough time producing fruit when it comes time? will they have a bad taste?

It shouldn't affect the taste of later fruit. If plants continues to grow, I wouldn't worry about this short exposure to frost, the tomatoes will be fine. Frost will rupture the plant cells and damage leaves, but if the main stem wasn't frozen, the plant will recover.

But any fruit that was set during the cold snap may be subject to blossom end rot. It won't affect any fruit set after it warms up again.

As an update, they seem to be growing just fine now!

thanks!