Introduction
When growing tomatoes, it can be challenging to strike the right balance between providing them with enough sunlight and preventing them from getting too much sun.
Tomatoes need intense light for healthy photosynthesis — but excessive sun exposure can scorch or blister the fruit, ruining its flavor, marketability, and appearance.
Proper shading is one of the most effective ways to protect tomatoes during hot seasons while ensuring strong yields.
So, what is the best shade rate for tomatoes？
Ideal Shade Percentage for Tomatoes (30–50%)
🎥 Video Reference:
The answer is that the most suitable shade percentage for tomatoes is 30% to 50%.
This shading range offers the ideal balance between sun protection and sufficient photosynthesis, especially during the hottest months.
Choosing the appropriate shade cloth percentage for tomatoes is one of the most effective ways to reduce sunscald, heat stress, and fruit cracking while still allowing plants to thrive.
Supporting Research and Scientific Findings
• Gent’s Shading Study
A study by Gent showed that tomato total yield decreased with increasing shade levels (15%, 30%, 50%), but marketable yield was unaffected. Interestingly, plants under 50% shade produced the highest proportion of marketable fruit.
Cracked fruit showed the most tremendous improvement under shade.
In greenhouses without shading, up to 35% of tomatoes had cracked skin, while greenhouses using 50% shade cloth reduced cracks to 25–29%.
• Liu’s Research
Another study by Liu found that tomatoes grown with 40% shade during midday summer experienced better growth and higher yields.
• Texas Study
Research from Texas further confirmed that 50% shade can significantly reduce heat stress, especially in regions with extreme summer temperatures.
Final Conclusion from All Studies:
👉 A shading rate of 30–50% provides the best overall benefits for tomatoes, especially when temperatures exceed 30°C (85°F).
In the previous section, we answered the question about the correct shading rate for tomatoes.
In the following article,
we will discuss the shading problem when growing tomatoes in a few ways.
When to Shade Tomatoes?
Identifying the Right Timing for Effective Tomato Shading
Shading tomatoes is essential during periods of extreme heat or intense sunlight.
Heat stress not only reduces fruit quality but can also stop flowering and fruit set entirely.
Best Timing for Shade Cloth
Shading tomatoes is essential during periods of extreme heat or intense sunlight.
The best time to apply shade is when daytime temperatures exceed 85°F (29°C), especially during summer. This prevents heat stress, sunscald, wilting, and fruit cracking.
Shade cloth should be applied early in the day before temperatures rise, and removed once sunlight weakens in the late afternoon.
This helps maintain a stable microclimate throughout the day.
Shading is significant during fruit-setting and ripening stages, when temperature extremes can interfere with fruit development.
📌 Research insight:
According to research, shading that reduces daily solar radiation to 5–6 MJ/m² significantly increases marketable yields when temperatures exceed 25°C.
What Color Shade Cloth Is Best for Tomatoes?
The color of the shade cloth significantly impacts the microclimate and tomato performance.
Different colors modify the light quality, heat absorption, and fruit characteristics.
Black Shade Cloth
Ideal for cooler climates or early/late season.
- Absorbs heat → increases warmth
- Helps stabilize temperature in cool conditions
- May increase heat stress in hot climates
- Helps early and late-season production
Pearl White & Red Shade Cloth
Best for preventing sunscald and cracking.
A study in Serbia showed that 40% pearl white and 40% red shade cloth:
- Reduced tomato cracking by 50%,
- Eliminated sunscald,
- Increased marketable production by 35%.
Red shade cloth also influences spectral quality, stimulating photosynthesis and increasing lycopene content (64.9 μg/g vs 48.1 μg/g in unshaded tomatoes).
Green Shade Cloth
Common in greenhouses; promotes uniform plant health.
📌 Conclusion:
For most growers, 40% pearl white or 40% red shade cloth provides the best combination of protection and quality improvement.
👉 Learn more about how shade net color affects microclimate.
Why Do Tomato Skins Split?
Understanding Causes & How Shade Cloth Helps
Tomato skins split for several reasons, typically due to moisture imbalance, temperature fluctuations, and variety sensitivity.
Common Causes
- Excessive Watering: Fruit expands faster than the skin can stretch.
- Temperature Fluctuations: Hot days + cool nights → uneven growth.
- Tomato Variety: Some types naturally split more easily.
- Nutrient Imbalance: Calcium deficiency weakens the fruit skin.
Consistent watering, proper climate management, and good ventilation help prevent cracking.
Using shade cloth can also help regulate temperature and moisture, reducing the likelihood of cracking.
Can Tomatoes Grow Successfully Under Shade Cloth?
Yes — and in many cases, they grow better under shade cloth.
Shade cloth creates a cooler, more stable microclimate, which reduces heat stress and sunscald.
Benefits of Using Shade Cloth for Tomatoes:
- Temperature Control: Prevents overheating
- Sun Protection: Reduces sunscald & cracking
- Higher Yield in Hot Regions: Lower heat stress = better fruit set
- Optimal Growth in Hot Regions: Especially in areas where summer temps exceed 32°C.
Most growers report better yields, fewer defects, and stronger plant health under 30–50% shade.
Black vs White Shade Cloth for Tomato: Which Is Better?
Black vs White Shade Cloth — Which Should You Choose?
White Shade Cloth
White shade cloth is generally more effective than black at protecting tomato plants, especially in hot summer climates.
- Reflects sunlight → cooler microclimate
- Reduces heat load
- Diffuses light more evenly
- Prevents sunscald & overheating
Black Shade Cloth
Best for cooler regions.
- Absorbs heat → increases warmth
- May increase temperature excessively in hot climates
Conclusion:
White shade cloth (with about 35% shading) is the superior option for most tomato growers. It offers better protection against summer heat, reduces the risk of heat stress, and creates a more favorable environment for healthy tomato growth.
Extensive practice has shown that 35% white shade netting or 35% red shade cloth is optimal for growing tomatoes.
Extended Insights: White vs Black Shade Cloth for Tomatoes
How Temperature Differs Under White vs Black Shade Cloth
Multiple studies show a significant temperature difference:
- White shade cloth: reduces canopy temperature by 3–7°C
- Black shade cloth: reduces temperature by 1–4°C
This difference is critical for tomatoes because fruit cracking and sunscald increase sharply when fruit surface temperature exceeds 32–35°C
Impact on Photosynthesis and Light Spectrum
- White nets → increase diffuse light
Diffused light penetrates deeper into the canopy → improves internal photosynthesis efficiency. - Black nets → lower light penetration
Better in moderate climates but may reduce fruit size if used excessively.
Impact on Fruit Quality
| Issue | No Shade | Black Net | White Net |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunscald | 🔥 High | Medium | Low |
| Cracking | High | Medium | Lowest |
| Lycopene Production | Low | Medium | High (with red nets highest) |
| Heat Stress | High | Medium | Lowest |
Regional Recommendations
| Region | Best Shade Cloth | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Hot tropical climates | White 35–40% | Cooling & diffuse light |
| Mediterranean | Red / Pearl 40% | Improved quality & color |
| Mild climates | Black 30% | Heat retention |
| High greenhouses | Green 30–35% | Stable microclimate |
White shade cloth is generally more effective than black at protecting tomato plants, especially in hot
FAQ – Tomato Shade Cloth Quick Answers
Does shade cloth reduce tomato yield?
Moderate shade (30–50%) does not reduce marketable tomato yield.
Research shows that although total yield may slightly decrease under shade, marketable yield improves because shade reduces cracked fruit, sunscald, and heat stress—leading to higher-quality tomatoes.
What temperature is too hot for tomato plants?
Tomatoes begin to experience heat stress at above 85°F (29°C).
At over 95°F (35°C), pollen viability drops sharply, causing blossom drop.
Shade cloth helps lower leaf temperature, allowing plants to keep producing even during heat waves.
Is 50% shade too much for tomatoes?
For most climates, 50% is the upper safe limit.
Research shows 40–50% shade:
- reduces cracking
- protects fruit skin
- improves marketable yield
But if you are in cloudy weather or at higher latitudes (such as Northern Europe or Canada), then 30-40% is more appropriate.
What color shade cloth increases tomato yield?
Studies show red shade cloth can enhance light spectrum quality, improving:
- photosynthesis
- fruit color
- lycopene content
- marketable yield
White is better for cooling.
Red is better for fruit quality + yield。
Does shade cloth prevent blossom drop?
Yes.
Blossom drop is mainly caused by heat stress.
Using 30–50% shade cloth lowers canopy temperature and keeps flowers fertile, reducing the chance of bloom abortion.
Is white shade cloth cooler than black?
Yes.
White shade cloth reflects sunlight → cooler microclimate.
Black shade cloth absorbs sunlight → warmer microclimate.
In high-temperature areas during summer, white can lower the temperature by 2–5°C compared to black.
Is red shade cloth good for tomatoes?
Yes, especially for greenhouse tomatoes.
Red shade cloth adjusts the light spectrum, helping improve:
- photosynthesis efficiency
- fruit color
- lycopene level
- marketable yield
Multiple experiments show that red shade nets can increase tomato nutritional content by 20–35%.
Ready to Enhance Your Crop Protection?
At EyouAgro, we offer high-quality shade cloths tailored to your needs, ensuring the best crop protection. Whether you’re growing tomatoes, vegetables, or fruits, our shade nettings provide optimal light and heat management for increased productivity.
Contact us today to get a personalized solution that fits your farm perfectly.
Let us help you achieve healthier and more abundant harvests!
