YELLOW PEAR HEIRLOOM TOMATO STARTS

Yellow Pear tomatoes are a favorite for home gardens in Pendleton, offering colorful, tasty, pear-shaped fruits that add charm to any harvest. These plants grow tall and typically require caging for support. Each tomato weighs about 1 ounce and is occasionally prone to cracking. This open-pollinated variety matures in approximately 78 days and is indeterminate.

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The history of the Yellow Pear tomato dates back to at least the 17th century, with records of its cultivation in Europe. Its presence in North America was first noted in the sale records of the Hudson Bay Company in Vancouver, Canada.

Transplanting Seedlings: Yellow Pear Heirloom Tomato

1. Timing: Transplant Yellow Pear Heirloom Tomato seedlings in Pendleton Oregon when the soil temperature is consistently above 60°F, and all danger of frost has passed. Tomatoes thrive in warm, sunny conditions.
2. Preparation: Choose a sunny location with well-draining, fertile soil. Enrich the soil with compost or aged manure to provide the nutrients needed for robust growth and fruit production.
3. Spacing: Space seedlings 24-36 inches apart in rows 36-48 inches apart. This spacing ensures adequate airflow, reducing the risk of diseases and allowing room for the plant to spread.
4. Planting Depth: Remove the bottom sets of leaves from each seedling and plant them deeply, burying the stem up to the next set of leaves. This encourages the growth of a strong, extensive root system.
5. Watering: Water the seedlings thoroughly after transplanting to help establish roots. Maintain consistent moisture throughout the growing season, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged.
6. Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch around the plants to retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and suppress weeds. Mulch also helps prevent soil from splashing onto the leaves, reducing disease risks.
7. Support: Install a sturdy cage, trellis, or stake at the time of planting to support the plant’s tall, vine-like growth and to keep the fruit off the ground, preventing rot and pests.
8. Feeding: Fertilize every 2-3 weeks with a balanced fertilizer or tomato-specific formula to promote healthy foliage and abundant fruiting.

Growing: Indeterminate varieties like Yellow Pear tomatoes benefit from sturdy supports such as trellises or cages to keep the vines off the ground and protect them from pests and diseases. Install supports early, before the vines grow, and tie the plants as they develop for better growth and fruit production. Protect plants from temperatures below 55°F to avoid reduced yields. Apply a thick layer of mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds, and water deeply once a week, being careful to avoid wetting the leaves. Prune “suckers” (shoots between the main stem and branches) to enhance plant health and productivity.

Harvesting: Yellow Pear tomatoes are ready to harvest when their vibrant color is fully developed, and the fruit yields slightly to gentle pressure. If the stem doesn’t detach easily, use scissors to cut it. While vine-ripened tomatoes have the best flavor, harvest all fruit—green or ripe—before the first frost. Green tomatoes will ripen indoors when kept in a warm, shaded location. These cheerful little tomatoes are perfect for fresh eating and add a pop of color to any salad or dish.

Latin Name: Lycopersicon esculentum

Type: Open Pollinated, Heirloom, Indeterminate, Warm Season

USDA Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

Planting Method: From Transplant

Sunlight: Full Sun

Height: 96 Inches

Color: Yellow