# Ideal Indoor Temperatures for Tomatoes
Tomatoes are one of the most widely grown fruits in the world, from Iceland in the north to the Falkland Islands in the south, and many places in between. The tomato is an example of a fruit that can produce a large crop in a relatively small space, and there are thousands of varieties which grow well both indoors and out. Although classified as a fruit, the tomato is generally treated as a vegetable due to its low sugar content and savory flavor.
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Where
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There are three indoor places which are ideal for growing tomatoes. The first is on a windowsill; there are special types of tomatoes which are small enough to grow comfortably on a windowsill. The important thing is that the windowsill faces south and the plants are kept out of any drafts. The second place is under grow lights, which enable the plants to get the 12 to 16 hours of light they need per day. This is especially important during the winter, when days are shorter. Thirdly, tomatoes can be grown in a greenhouse. This lets in a lot of natural light, and tomatoes can grow well if the temperature is regulated.
Types
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The best types of tomatoes to grow indoors are cherry or plum indeterminates. Indeterminate plants continue to grow and fruit until they are stopped by frost, meaning they will grow through the winter when kept indoors. Determinate types produce a limited number of fruit over 2 to 3 weeks. Although indeterminate plants grow continually, they are not difficult to control, so it is not always necessary to choose one labeled "compact." A good reason to choose cherry or plum varieties is that they produce a lot of small fruit which ripens quickly.
Temperature
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The ideal temperature for growing tomatoes indoors is 65 to 85 degrees. If your house is cooler than this or drafty, and you do not have a heated greenhouse, a space heater or a seedling heat mat may be useful. These ensure the plants have the warmth they need in the soil to grow consistently throughout the cooler months.
Storing
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Fresh, ripe tomatoes are better off stored out of the fridge. The flavor of tomatoes keeps developing for a few days after the fruit is picked from the plant, but it is better if they are not kept for much longer than that. In the meantime, store the fruit at room temperature. The refrigerator causes tomatoes to lose flavor and develop an unpleasant grainy texture. Any tomatoes that have been stored in the refrigerator will regain some of their flavor if kept at room temperature for a day before eating.
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