Temperature controls the rate of plant development and thus, crop timing. Temperature can also influence extension growth of plants, greenhouse energy consumption, and crop quality attributes. Additional information on temperature, including crop responses and greenhouse energy consumption, are listed in the articles below. Additional resources follow.
- Virtual Grower, a free computer program for greenhouse growers to predict heating costs. Developed by the USDA Agricultural Research Service.
- Temperature and Scheduling: Improving Greenhouse Production Efficiency by Erik Runkle and Matthew Blanchard, Michigan State University.
- Greenhouse Temperature Management by A.J. Both, Rutgers University.
Resources
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Accelerating growth: What works and what does not
Published on April 1, 2018
The most effective way growers can accelerate plant development is to increase the greenhouse air temperature. -
Temperature integration
Published on February 5, 2018
Plants integrate and respond to temperature over an extended period, and not just the day or night temperature. -
Infrared Thermometers for Monitoring Plant and Substrate Temperatures
Published on December 9, 2017
In this article, we will discuss how to use a hand-held infrared thermometer to determine instantaneous temperatures of plant surfaces, root zone or floor heating systems, heat exchangers, and other greenhouse equipment that may have hot surfaces. -
Bedding plants with high base temperatures
Published on December 14, 2016
In the late winter and spring, many greenhouse growers produce a wide variety of species and cultivars, many of which are annual bedding plants. Crops can have different growing and flowering requirements, so plants shouldn’t all be grown the same way. -
High tunnel and outdoor production of cold-tolerant bedding plants
Published on November 10, 2016
As greenhouse space becomes limited in the spring, you may consider using outdoor spaces and high tunnels. Read on for insight into the benefits and risks associated with these growing strategies. -
Using root-zone heating for energy-efficient petunia production
Published on July 17, 2016
A new study shows that you can grow your petunias in a cooler greenhouse to save money and still produce a high-quality crop. -
Crops with relatively low optimum temperatures
Published on May 17, 2015
At temperatures above the optimum, plants experience stress and the rate of development begins to decrease. Learn which crops grow best at relatively cool temperatures. -
Dealing with the cold
Published on January 17, 2015
It’s naturally tempting to reduce the greenhouse temperature so that less energy is consumed per day, but there are consequences to such actions that growers should understand. -
Managing temperature during propagation
Published on December 19, 2014
Temperature primarily drives the rate of root and shoot development while light provides the energy to promote that growth. When one of these environmental factors is not optimized, rooting is delayed. -
High Tunnels: Reduce Heating Costs While Improving Bedding Plant Quality
Published on November 17, 2014
This is the first article in a two-part series featuring research from Purdue University that focuses on energy-efficient production of cold-tolerant bedding plants. -
Growing your crops above their base temperature
Published on November 17, 2014
Is lowering temperature set points in the greenhouse the best option for you to combat rising heating costs? -
Bench-Top Root Zone Heating: Can You Reduce Air Temperatures and Finish Bedding Plants On Time?
Published on November 17, 2014
In the second article of a two-part series focusing on energy-efficient production strategies for annual bedding plants, Purdue University researchers present updated findings on the use of bench-top, root zone heating systems.