{
  "id": 9941115,
  "title": "The 3-minute trick to force stubborn green tomatoes to ripen fast",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/26/the-3-minute-trick-to-force-stubborn-green-tomatoes-to-ripen-fast",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-26T08:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Tom's Guide",
    "slug": "tom-s-guide",
    "url": "https://www.tomsguide.com/home/gardening/why-your-tomatoes-are-stuck-green-and-how-to-force-them-red-before-frost"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "As autumn settles in, many gardeners face a common conundrum: rows of green tomatoes that stubbornly refuse to ripen before cold weather arrives. While some assume these tomatoes simply need more sun or extra time, the real trick to early ripening lies in a simple pruning technique. Tomato ripening is triggered by a specific biological process, controlled by pigments carotene and lycopene. Lycopene production depends on temperatures between 68°F and 77°F (20°C to 25°C). When temperatures soar above 85°F (29°C) or drop below 55°F (13°C), lycopene production halts, leaving the fruit in a state of pigment paralysis. To force ripening, prune the plant by cutting off the main growing tip, removing any open flowers, buds, and small fruit, and severing a few outer roots. This stress triggers a surge of ethylene, prompting the green tomatoes to turn red rapidly. If the nights stay above 50°F (10°C), keep the fruit on the vine for the best flavor, using frost cloth to protect against cold snaps. When a hard frost is imminent, harvest all full-sized fruit immediately and place it in a warm, dark room with a banana or apple to accelerate ripening.",
  "summary": "Why your tomatoes are stuck green — and how to force them red before frost.",
  "key_points": [
    "Pruning technique forces green tomatoes to ripen quickly.",
    "Lycopene production halted by temperatures above 85°F or below 55°F.",
    "Ethylene surge triggers rapid color change to red tomatoes."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}