For some plant pods, a precise temperature range is more essential than others for germination and yielding. Due to heat sensitivity, there are some limitations when growing plant pods successfully in warm climates or during a hot summer. Here is a great guide on how to choose plants that suit your indoor conditions best:
It is vital to keep indoor conditions in mind because the outdoor climate does not usually reflect the actual conditions indoors, especially when the air conditioner is in use. So, if you live in a very warm and humid climate, but have the option to use AC at all times to maintain the specified temperature range, there is no reason to hesitate to grow heat-sensitive plants.
The recommended average room temperature suitable for all plant pods is 22 °C (72 °F). If the room temperature is below 18 °C (64 °F), please keep in mind that most seeds might not germinate or will grow much slower than usual.
To grow salad greens successfully, the room temperature should range from 18 °C (65 °F) to 24 °C (75 °F). Most salad greens are heat-sensitive and have the highest germination rate and highest yield at that temperature range. Also, high temperature induces bolting that in turn may change the taste to bitter and hold the plant back from growing new edible leaves.
Here is a list of plants that are heat-sensitive:
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Herbs and greens: Arugula, Bloody Sorrel, Garden Cress, Green Kale, Green Lettuce, Green Sorrel, Italian Kale, Leaf Mustard, Leaf Radish, Oakleaf Lettuce, Pak Choi, Red Frill Mustard, Red Kale, Red Lettuce, Red Pak Choi, Red Romaine Lettuce, Romaine Lettuce, Wasabi Mustard, Mizuna, Red Oakleaf Lettuce.
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Decorative plants: Busy Lizzie, Cornflower, Moss Rose, Ornamental Grass, Sweet Alyssum.
- Fruiting plants: Dwarf Pea.
If the plant pod is not mentioned in the list above, it is not as heat-sensitive.
Many herbs in Click & Grow's plant pod selection, on the other hand, benefit from warmer temperatures, even if it is raised up to 30 °C (but not above that). Fruiting plants, such as peppers, chilies, and tomatoes benefit from warmth, which promotes faster germination and growth.