Temperature is the factor that dramatically influences plant growth. The gardener must be able to distinguish COOL-SEASON CROPS from WARM-SEASON CROPS. Spinach or leaf lettuce, cool-season crops, will bolt and become bitter if temperatures are too high. For warm-season crops, such as tomatoes and peppers, cool temperatures will delay growth and prevent fruit set.
Peach crops ruined by late frost are an example of plant tissues killed by cold temperatures once dormancy is broken and growth begins. Peaches must experience 500 to 750 hours below 40°F to end their dormancy. Once growth begins, buds no longer protect meristematic tissue, and late frosts and cold temperatures will damage these tender tissues. Lilies and tulips are other examples of plants that require a certain number of weeks of low temperatures before blooming.
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Crop temperature requirements