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Growing and Caring for Yellow Pear Tomatoes: A Comprehensive Guide
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.
