Yellow Pear Tomato Seeds

Sowing: Begin by starting tomato seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last spring frost. Sow the seeds in a flat, planting them 0.6 cm deep and spacing them 2.5 cm apart. Maintain a temperature of 21-24 degrees Celsius for germination and ensure they receive adequate light from a sunny window or grow light. Keep the soil consistently moist while ensuring good drainage. Once the seedlings develop their second set of leaves, transplant them into individual pots, burying the stems up to the lowest set of leaves to promote strong root growth. About a week before transplanting them outdoors, gradually expose the seedlings to outdoor conditions during the day to harden them off. Wait until all danger of frost has passed before planting them outside. Plant the seedlings in full sun and nutrient-rich soil when the soil temperature reaches at least 21 degrees Celsius, burying the entire stem up to the lowest leaves. If using a trellis, space the plants 60 cm apart; if allowing them to sprawl, space them 90-120 cm apart. For companion planting benefits, consider planting tomatoes with carrots or onions, but avoid pairing them with cabbage or potatoes.

Growing: Indeterminate tomato varieties typically benefit from support such as trellises to protect them with ground contact. Install supports before the vines start to develop. As the vines grow, tie them to the support structure to encourage upward growth. Protect the plants from temperatures below 13 degrees Celsius as they can damage fruit production. Apply a thick layer of mulch to conserve moisture and control weeds. Water the plants once a week, ensuring the leaves remain dry. Regular pruning of suckers - the shoots that emerge between the main stem and branches - will enhance plant vigor and productivity.

Harvesting: To determine if tomatoes are ripe, gently press them to check if the flesh yields slightly. Their mature color also indicates readiness for harvest. If the stem does not detach easily from the vine, use scissors to cut it. While vine-ripened tomatoes offer the best flavor, it's essential to harvest all tomatoes before the arrival of frost, including the green ones. Unripe tomatoes can ripen over time if stored in a warm place away from direct sunlight.

Seed Saving: Since cross-pollination among most tomato varieties is unlikely, there's no need for isolation. When saving seeds, start by picking fully ripe tomatoes and slicing them in half horizontally. Squeeze out the pulp into a container. Alternatively, for smaller tomatoes, blend them in a blender to release the seeds, which are hard and slippery and won't be damaged. Allow the mixture to ferment for several days or until a thick layer of mold forms; this process removes the gelatinous layer surrounding the seeds. Pour off the mold and debris, saving the clean seeds at the bottom. Rinse the seeds in a strainer under running water until they're clean, then spread them out to dry in a sheltered area away from direct sunlight. Stir them twice daily and use a fan to expedite drying if the air is humid. Once completely dry, store the seeds in a cool, dry place for up to four years.

Yellow Pear Tomato Seed
Planting Methods: Direct sow seeds 0.6 cm deep in well-drained soil or start indoors and transplant seedlings outdoors after the last spring frost.
Blooming Season: Summer to early fall
Planting Season: Spring after the last frost
Latin Name/USDA Zones: Solanum lycopersicum / USDA Zones 3-11
Sunlight Required/Height: Full sun; grows up to 1.8 meters tall
Shelf Life After Test Date: Approximately 2-3 years
Seed Type: Open-pollinated
Soil Type: Loam Soil, Clay Soil, or Sandy Soil