Key Characteristics:
- Growth Type: Indeterminate (grows continuously and produces fruit throughout the season).
- Fruit Shape: Small, pear-shaped cherry tomatoes.
- Size: About 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) long.
- Color: Bright yellow when ripe.
- Flavor: Mild, sweet, and slightly tangy.
- Texture: Juicy, firm, and smooth-skinned.
- Maturity: 70–80 days from transplanting.
Growing Conditions:
- Climate: Prefers warm weather (70–85°F / 21–29°C), requires full sun (at least 6–8 hours per day).
- Soil: Well-draining, nutrient-rich soil with a pH between 6.0–6.8. Adding compost improves growth.
- Spacing: 24–36 inches apart in rows, with 3–4 feet between rows for airflow.
Planting Instructions:
Starting Seeds Indoors:
- Start seeds 6–8 weeks before the last frost indoors.
- Sow ¼ inch (6 mm) deep in seed-starting mix.
- Keep soil warm (70–80°F / 21–27°C) and consistently moist.
Transplanting:
- Harden off seedlings 1–2 weeks before planting outdoors.
- Transplant after the last frost, burying the stem deeply to encourage strong root growth.
Direct Sowing (Warmer Climates):
- In warm regions, seeds can be sown directly outdoors once temperatures are stable.
Care Tips:
- Watering: Keep soil evenly moist but avoid overwatering. Water at the base to prevent fungal diseases.
- Mulching: Apply mulch to retain moisture and reduce weeds.
- Support & Staking:
- As an indeterminate variety, it requires cages, stakes, or trellises to support long vines.
- Fertilizing: Use a balanced fertilizer or compost. Avoid too much nitrogen, which encourages excessive foliage growth.
- Pruning: Remove lower leaves and suckers (side shoots) to improve airflow and focus energy on fruit production.
Greenhouse vs. Outdoor Growing:
Greenhouse:
- Provides protection from pests and extends the growing season.
- Needs ventilation to prevent humidity-related diseases.
Outdoor (Ground or Containers):
- Ideal for warm climates.
- Requires staking or caging for support.
- Best grown in a sunny, sheltered location.
Harvesting & Storage:
When to Harvest:
- Ready to pick 70–80 days after transplanting.
- Harvest when fully yellow and slightly firm.
- Picking regularly encourages continuous production.
Storage:
- Best stored at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Avoid refrigeration, as it can reduce flavor and texture.
- Can be preserved by drying, pickling, or making sauces.
Common Pests & Diseases:
- Pests: Watch for aphids, hornworms, flea beetles, and whiteflies. Companion planting with basil and marigolds can help repel pests.
- Diseases: Susceptible to blight, fusarium wilt, and powdery mildew. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering.
Culinary Uses:
- Salads: Adds color and mild sweetness to fresh salads.
- Snacking: Great for eating fresh off the vine.
- Pickling: A popular variety for pickled cherry tomatoes.
- Roasting: Enhances their sweetness when roasted with olive oil and herbs.
- Salsas & Sauces: Can be blended into a mild and sweet tomato sauce.
- Garnishes: Perfect for decorative and colorful dishes.
Why Grow Yellow Pear Tomatoes?
✅ Unique pear shape adds visual appeal.
✅ Sweet and mild flavor perfect for fresh eating.
✅ Prolific producer – high yield all season long.
✅ Resistant to cracking, making them more durable than other cherry tomatoes.
✅ Heirloom variety, meaning seeds can be saved for future planting.
If you're looking for a fun, easy-to-grow, and delicious cherry tomato, Yellow Pear is a fantastic choice for any home garden!
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