Solanum lycopersicum 'Yellow Pear', Yellow Pear Tomato
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Annuals

Solanum lycopersicum 'Yellow Pear'

Yellow Pear Tomato

SolanaceaeSouth America

At a Glance

Typeannual
Habitindeterminate vining
Foliagedeciduous
Height6-8 feet
Width2-3 feet

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

4a - 10b
Zone 4a
Zone 4b
Zone 5a
Zone 5b
Zone 6a
Zone 6b
Zone 7a
Zone 7b
Zone 8a
Zone 8b
Zone 9a
Zone 9b
Zone 10a
Zone 10b
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancetender

Overview

Solanum lycopersicum 'Yellow Pear' is an indeterminate heirloom tomato cultivar known for its distinctive small, pear-shaped fruits that ripen to a bright golden-yellow color. This vigorous annual vine produces clusters of 1-inch long fruits that taper from a rounded base to a pointed tip, resembling tiny yellow pears. The plant features the characteristic compound leaves of tomatoes, with deeply serrated leaflets arranged pinnately along sturdy stems that require support due to their vining growth habit. The small yellow fruits are prized for their sweet, mild flavor with low acidity, making them excellent for fresh eating, salads, and garnishing. Solanum lycopersicum 'Yellow Pear' is highly productive, with plants often reaching 6-8 feet in height when properly staked or caged. The cultivar produces small yellow flowers typical of tomatoes, which develop into the characteristic pear-shaped fruits that hang in grape-like clusters throughout the growing season.

Native Range

Solanum lycopersicum is native to western South America, particularly the Andes mountains of Peru, Ecuador, and northern Chile, where wild ancestors still grow naturally in diverse habitats from coastal areas to high-altitude regions.

Suggested Uses

Solanum lycopersicum 'Yellow Pear' works well in vegetable gardens, raised beds, and large containers with adequate support structures. Excellent for fresh eating, salads, garnishes, and preserving. The attractive yellow fruits make beautiful additions to mixed vegetable platters and are perfect for cherry tomato applications where a unique shape and color are desired.

How to Identify

Solanum lycopersicum 'Yellow Pear' can be identified by its distinctive small, pear-shaped fruits that are bright golden-yellow when ripe and measure approximately 1 inch in length. The fruits taper from a rounded base to a pointed tip and grow in pendant clusters. The plant exhibits typical tomato characteristics including compound leaves with serrated leaflets, yellow star-shaped flowers, and an indeterminate growth habit that requires staking. The combination of the unique fruit shape, golden color, and clustering growth pattern distinguishes this cultivar from other tomato varieties.

Appearance

Bloom Information

continuously from late spring through fall

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

bright yellow

Foliage Description

medium to dark green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

full sun

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Water & Climate

Water Needs

moderate to high

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

70-80 days

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Solanum lycopersicum 'Yellow Pear' requires consistent moisture throughout the growing season, needing deep watering 2-3 times per week or daily during hot, dry periods. Provide strong support with cages, stakes, or trellises as plants can reach 6-8 feet tall. Feed regularly with balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks, switching to lower nitrogen formula once flowering begins to encourage fruit production. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Remove suckers that develop in leaf axils to direct energy into fruit production and improve air circulation.

Pruning

Prune Solanum lycopersicum 'Yellow Pear' by removing suckers that grow between the main stem and leaf branches throughout the growing season. Remove lower leaves that touch the soil to prevent disease. Pinch growing tips in late summer to direct energy into ripening existing fruits. Remove any diseased or damaged foliage promptly. As an indeterminate variety, the plant will continue growing until frost, so regular sucker removal is essential for manageable growth and optimal fruit production.

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Solanum lycopersicum 'Yellow Pear' produces edible fruits that are safe for human consumption. However, like all tomato plants, the green parts including leaves, stems, and unripe fruits contain solanine and other alkaloids that can be toxic if consumed in large quantities. Keep pets and children from eating the foliage or green plant parts.

Planting Guide

Planting Methods & Timing

Planting Method

transplant

Indoor Start

6 weeks before last frost

Direct Sow Timing

not recommended for direct sowing

Days to Maturity

70–80 days

Plant Spacing

24 inches

Companion Planting

Good Companions

basil
oregano
parsley
marigolds
nasturtiums
carrots
lettuce

Avoid Planting With

fennel
brassicas
corn
dill
walnut trees