Plants produce masses of 1 1/2 to 2 inch, pear-shaped, lemon colored fruits.
This reliable,indeterminate, heirloom tomatoadds flavor and color to your culinary efforts all season long.
With few seeds and mild (low-acid) flavor, they are also delicious eaten right off the vine.
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It’s suited to raised beds and can be adapted for large pots.
Due to it’s lengthy vines it’s not the best choice for hanging baskets.
Tomato plants are nightshades with leaves and vines toxic to dogs, cats, and horses.
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How to Plant Yellow Pear Tomato
In most USDA growing zones, tomatoes are transplanted as seedlings.
It also allows for fruit ready to pick earlier in the season.
Established plants can survive a night or two of cooler temperatures but extended cold will cause irreversible damage.
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If unexpected late frost is forecast, protect your crop with covering, especially overnight.
The yellow pear grows to maturity in 78 to 80 days.
Seedlings can be set out any time during the growing season and continue to produce fruit well into fall.
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Selecting a Planting Site
Choose a garden spot that receives plenty of sun.
Tomato plants need at 8 hours daily, especially when fruit begins to ripen.
Consider tall crops that, once mature, could shade your yellow pear crop.
Avoid areas where water runoff accumulates.
Yellow pear has a shallow root system and won’t tolerate soggy soil.
Dig a deep hole just wide enough to accommodate existing roots.
Pinch off seed leaves and any others along the lower stem.
Set the seedling in the hole and back fill withloamy soil, keeping top leaves from contacting the soil.
With vines that grow to 8 feet, yellow pear needs space to spread out.
Set plants a minimum 2 1/2 feet apart in rows at least 3 feet apart.
Yourstaking systemmay require more space, but minimum spacing should allow for adequate air circulation.
you gotta provide support for this indeterminate tomato which can become weighted down with heavy clusters of fruit.
The yellow pear is resistant to several common tomato diseases but other problems and insect infestations can develop.
Light
Choose a location with at least 8 hours of full sun daily.
This is important later in the growing season as fruits develop.
Lack of sufficient sunlight can result in uneven ripening and loss of flavor.
Soil
Yellow pear is a heavy feeder so start with the best soil composition.
Loamy, well-draining soil with plenty of composted material and a pH between 6.2 and 6.8 is ideal.
Water
A minimum of 1 inch of water per week is needed for this rapidly growing vine.
Drip irrigation directs water to the roots and eliminates possibilities for moisture related problems resulting from overhead watering.
Water early in the day and if you do water by hand, water at soil level.
Relatively high levels of humidity from 65 to 85 percent also aid productivity.
Too much humidity invites aphids and can cause pollen to clump, inhibiting fertilization.
Fertilizer
Yellow pear needs plenty of energy to produce its long vines and prolific fruit.
Apply a balanced fertilizer, (10-10-10) at planting time, even in rich, composted soil.
Six weeks after planting, a high phosphorous (5-20-10 ) tool supports bloom and fruit production.
When fruits begin to ripen, replace depleted nutrients once more with a balanced fertilizer.
Other Types of Pear Tomato
Yellow pear is distinct with it bright lemon color.
There are several other types of pear-shaped, small variety tomatoes worth considering.
Fruits are ready to harvest when lemon colored throughout and firm with a slight give when pressed.
Fill the container with a mix of good quality potting mix and aged compost.
If the potting mix does not contain fertilizer, include an system of 10-10-10 according to label instructions.
Plant one seedling per container creating a deep hole, wide enough to accommodate the roots.
Carefully remove the seedling from its original container and lightly comb the roots with your fingers.
Remove seed leaves and any others on the lower third of the stem.
Place the seedling in the planting hole and fill in with soil mix.
Place the container in full sun and water thoroughly until you see it run out the bottom.
As the plant matures, use soft ties to attach vines to the support.
Yellow pear grown in pots will require more frequent watering and may need additional applications of fertilizer.
Suckers can appear at soil level and at the juncture of a new branch and the main stem.
Use your thumb and forefinger to grasp the sucker at its base and pinch it out.
Be careful to avoid stripping the stem and be sure to remove the entire sucker.
Even a little bit left behind can develop into a new vine.
Remove vines completely that have not produced fruit and cut back bearing vines where fruit has not yet developed.
This may include removing flowers.
The yellow pear has been developed with resistance to verticillium and fusarium wilts, alternaria canker and late blight.
Technically yes, as long as adequate conditions can be provided.
No, yellow pear is self-pollinating.
Each plant has both male and female flowers and pollination occurs by wind and air circulation.
Marigolds may be the most popular companion plant because they attract insect pests away from the tomatoes.
Several herbs including basil, parsley and chives also pair well with tomato plants.
