Possibly the favorite of heirloom tomato gardeners, the Yellow Pear gets its name from its yellow color and pear shape. This variety dates back to the 1800s and they are vigorous indeterminate tomatoes. They are a prolific producer with an abundance of small, yellow pear-shaped fruit that have a sweet, but mild flavor. These are a popular table tomato and are a good choice if you are looking for a relatively cold tolerant variety (for a tomato). They can produce later into the growing season than others might, in some cases even into he fall.

Best Soil for Tomatoes

All great tomato cultivation begins with the soil. It should be nutrient-rich, well-tilled, and soft. Yellow Pear tomato plants are not particularly deep-rooted, so only 4-5 inches of depth is required to grow these beautiful little plants. Soil should be acidic at 5.0 to 6.0 pH for best results.

This indeterminate tomato variety of yellow pear plants requires compost and/or manure mixed in well with the soil in early spring (well before planting time). This is the optimum way to ensure vigorous plant and fruit growth.

Proper Care for Tomato Plants

Seedlings take a couple of weeks to germinate (the planting hole should be about 1/2-inch deep in starter pots or moss pellets). Thin well once the sprouts appear, choosing the most vigorous. In about two months, the starts will be 4 to 6 inches in height and ready for hardening and transplant. They can be kept for up to 10 weeks or so if required, however. Do not transplant until overnight temperatures are averaging 60F or higher for best starts.

Yellow Pears grow best in warm, sunny locations that get full sun. They should be at least 36 inches apart to allow a good spread.

Once in the soil, regular watering and at least two applications of balanced fertilizer should be given. Liquid fertilizer (i.e. compost tea) should be used, but side applications can be done with dry fertilizer. Organic mulch is a good idea for these tomatoes as it helps retain water and discourage weeds.

During the hottest part of the summer a shade cloth, row cover or similar protection may be needed, although if plenty of water is at hand, enough to maintain soil moisture, this is not often a problem except in the hottest parts of the country. If the weather is particularly hot where you are, don’t be surprised if the plants appear to go dormant during the hottest month or two before bearing fruit.

When to Harvest Yellow Pear Tomatoes

At the 70 to 80 day mark, you should begin to see plump. ripe tomatoes. Yellow Pears are ready when they are easily plucked from the vine and have no green whatsoever. Each batch ripens in stages over a 1-2 week period, with most plants providing tomatoes for up to two months after the initial harvest, depending on soil conditions and weather.

Saving Tomato Seeds

As with most heirlooms, yellow pear tomato seeds are easily kept from these lovely fruits. They should be left to over-ripen and become soft (on the vine is favored) and then picked, partially dried, then husked and cleaned. Allow the seeds to dry completely then store in a cool, dry place for successful heirloom seed preservation.

Yellow Pear Tomato Plant Pests and Diseases

Yellow Pears are resistant to most of the common diseases that afflict many other tomato varieties. They are susceptible to worms, caterpillars, and aphids, however. Some birds prize the yellow fruit as well. These can all be handled with simple counter-measures such as netting, soap sprays, and the like.

How to Serve Yellow Pear Tomatoes

Yellow Pears are most often served whole or sliced in half or quarters. Because they are not particularly flavor intense, but are sweet, juicy and have beautiful yellow fruits, they are a delight at the table. They can be dried, though they are not as flavorful as other varieties. They are the perfect tomatoes to use as a garnish or to add as a bite-sized fruit for a salad topper. They add bright color and a mild sweet taste.

Tips for Growing Yellow Pear Tomatoes

Other than the usual tomato requirements, the best thing to remember with these tomatoes is that they can thrive well into the fall, even in cooler temperatures.

More Tomato Growing Resources:

NC State University – Commercial Production of Staked Tomatoes [PDF]Clemson University – Tomatoes