Planting Yellow Pear Tomatoes

Yellow pear tomatoes are a popular heirloom variety known for their sweet flavor and unique pear shape. They are relatively easy to grow and thrive in most climates.

• When to Plant: Transplant seedlings after the last frost date when soil temperatures reach 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Site Selection: Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil and a pH between 6.2 and 6.8. Avoid areas where water accumulates.
• Spacing and Support: Plant seedlings 2 1/2 feet apart in rows at least 3 feet apart. Provide support for the vines, as they can grow up to 8 feet long.

Yellow Pear Tomato Plant Care

• Light: Yellow pear tomatoes require at least 8 hours of full sun per day.
• Soil: Amend the soil with plenty of compost and ensure it is well-drained.
• Water: Water deeply at least once a week, especially during hot, dry weather. Use drip irrigation or water at soil level to avoid disease.
• Fertilizer: Fertilize regularly with a balanced fertilizer, and apply a high-phosphorus fertilizer when the plants start blooming.
• Pollination: Yellow pear tomatoes are self-pollinating, so they do not require additional pollinators.

Other Types of Pear Tomato

In addition to yellow pear tomatoes, there are several other types of pear-shaped tomatoes worth considering:

• Red Pear: A rare heirloom variety with bright red, 2-inch fruits.
• Chocolate Pear: A unique variety with light red fruits swirled with shades of green and brown.
• Umberto Pear: An older heirloom type with pink, meaty, 2-oz fruits.
• Flaming Burst: A sweeter, smaller version of Jaune Flammee with tiny, golden, 1-inch fruits.

Harvesting Yellow Pear Tomatoes

• When to Harvest: Yellow pear tomatoes are ready to harvest when they turn a uniform lemon color and are slightly soft when pressed.
• How to Harvest: You can harvest individual ripe fruits or cut off entire clusters.

Growing Yellow Pear Tomatoes in Pots

• Container Size: Choose a pot that is at least 10 gallons in size with drainage holes.
• Soil Mix: Use a high-quality potting mix with added compost.
• Support: Provide support for the vines, as they will need it as they grow.
• Watering and Fertilizing: Water more frequently than plants in the ground and fertilize regularly.

Pruning

• Suckers: Remove suckers that appear at the juncture of branches and the main stem to improve air circulation and fruit production.
• Heading Back: At the end of the season, remove vines that have not produced fruit and cut back bearing vines to redirect energy to ripening fruits.

Propagating Yellow Pear Tomato

• From Seed: Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date. Use sterile soil and provide adequate light and warmth for germination.
• From Suckers: Take healthy suckers from an existing plant, remove lower leaves, and root them in water or soil.

Common Pests and Plant Diseases

• Pests: Yellow pear tomatoes can be susceptible to aphids and hornworms.
• Diseases: They can also suffer from fungal diseases such as verticillium wilt and fusarium wilt.

FAQ

• Can you grow yellow pear tomatoes indoors? Yes, but it is not recommended due to the need for hand pollination and the amount of space required.
• Do you need two yellow pear tomatoes to get fruit? No, yellow pear tomatoes are self-pollinating.
• What is a good companion plant for yellow pear tomato? Marigolds, basil, parsley, and chives are all good companion plants for tomatoes.

Additional Tips

• Start with healthy transplants and well-prepared soil.
• Rotate your tomato crops each season to prevent disease.
• Inspect your plants regularly for pests and diseases.
• Water deeply and regularly, especially during hot, dry weather.
• Provide support for the vines to prevent them from breaking.
• Prune suckers and head back vines as needed.
• Fertilize regularly to ensure your plants have the nutrients they need.