Guide to growing and using pear tomatoes

Did you know the yellow pear tomato was made in Europe in 1805?¹ This kind, along with red and chocolate pears, looks unique. They’re loved for their gentle taste. In this guide, we’ll cover everything about pear tomatoes.

Pear tomatoes look like little pears and taste great.¹ They can be yellow, red, or chocolate. They’re perfect for slicing or making sauces. This guide is all about growing and using them at home. It includes planting, caring for them, picking, and cooking tips.

In This Article

Key Takeaways

Pear tomatoes are a distinctive and flavorful heirloom variety with an elongated, pear-like shape.
These tomatoes come in various colors, including yellow, red, and chocolate.
Pear tomatoes offer a mild, low-acid flavor, making them versatile in the kitchen.
Growing pear tomatoes requires specific planting, care, and harvesting techniques.
Pear tomatoes can be used in various fresh and cooked dishes, from salads to sauces.

Introduction to Pear Tomatoes

Pear tomatoes have been around for centuries. Their origins go back to the 17th century in Europe.² They’re known for their pear-like shape, caused by a special genetic change. This makes them different from the usual round tomatoes.² They bring a unique and delightful look to any garden.

History and Origins

In 1805, the first yellow pear tomatoes were grown in Europe.² They became more popular over time. The Hudson’s Bay Company in Fort Vancouver started growing them, including the yellow pear tomato, in 1825.²

By 1847, three tomato types, including the pear tomato, were grown in the U.S..²

In 1863, Joseph Ellis had over a hundred tomato seed types for sale. This included the yellow pear tomato.² Pear tomatoes got even more attention when they were sold by George Thomas & Co. in 1889.² Finally, the Smithsonian Institution added pear tomatoes to their heirloom gardens in 2001.²

Unique Shape and Appearance

The special shape of pear tomatoes comes from a genetic change. They look longer at the top and more round at the base. This different look makes them special in the garden.² Plus, pear tomatoes come in many colors, like yellow, red, and chocolate. This adds to their beauty.

Varieties of Pear Tomatoes

The pear tomato world is full of bright colors and great tastes. From the familiar yellow pear to the special red pear, there’s a lot to pick.²

Yellow Pear

The yellow pear is an early kind, first found in Europe in 1805.² These little, lemon-colored tomatoes are great for eating, adding to salads, or making sauces.²

Red Pear

The red pear is hard to find and stands out with its bright red, sweet 2-inch tomatoes. These have few seeds.²

Chocolate Pear

The chocolate pear looks as good as it tastes. It has light red tomatoes with green and brown swirls. These colors mean a deep, tasty tomato.²

Umberto Pear

The Umberto pear is an older kind with big, pink tomatoes. They are tasty with every bite.²

Flaming Burst

A smaller, sweeter version of Jaune Flammee is the Flaming Burst. It has little golden tomatoes that are one inch across. They are firm and crunchy.²

Choose from the yellow, red, or other interesting varieties of pear tomatoes. These old kinds can make your meals more delicious.²³

Planting and Growing Pear Tomatoes

Pear tomatoes need special care when you plant and grow them. They must be in a place where they get 8 hours of full sun daily. This is key for them to grow and ripen well.¹ The soil must be loose, drain water well, and be full of good stuff. Make sure it has a pH of 6.2 to 6.8.¹

Choosing the Right Location

When you move young plants, put some stems in the ground. This will make their roots stronger.⁴ Because pear tomatoes keep growing, they need something to hold onto. This can be a trellis, a cage, or stakes. It keeps the plant from being heavy with fruit.⁴

Soil Preparation and Requirements

The soil needs to be just right, as said before. It should have a pH between 6.2 and 6.8.¹ When you first plant them, give them a balanced fertilizer like 10-10-10. This is good for yellow pear tomatoes.¹

Transplanting Seedlings

When moving the plants, put part of the stem under the soil. This helps the roots get stronger.⁴ The small plants should be under the ground by a couple of inches. This will help them grow better and be stronger.⁴

Providing Support and Trellising

Because they keep growing, pear tomatoes need something to lean on. This could be a trellis, a cage, or stakes.

It stops the plant from falling over with fruit.⁴ They also need about an inch of water a week. They can get very tall, from 10 to 12 feet. So, they need something tall to grow against.⁴

Care and Maintenance

To get lots of pear tomatoes, proper care is a must. They need at least 1 inch of water weekly. This can be given through drip systems or watering near the soil.¹

When planting, use a balanced (10-10-10) fertilizer. Then, six weeks later, use a high-phosphorus (5-20-10) fertilizer for flowers and fruits.¹ Another balanced fertilizer round when the fruits start to ripen will keep the plants healthy.¹

Watering Needs

Pear tomato plants need 1 inch of water a week.¹ They do best in weather between 70 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit.¹

Fertilizing Schedule

At planting, use a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10). Add the high phosphorous (5-20-10) fertilizer six weeks later.¹ This helps the plants grow and produce lots of fruit.¹

Pruning and Training

Pruning and training are good for pear tomatoes. Remove suckers and cut back vines that aren’t productive. This helps the plant focus on making fruits.¹

Since Yellow pear tomato plants need good support since they can get up to 8 feet long. Use trellises or stakes. This will keep the vines from drooping because of the heavy fruit.⁴

Pear Tomatoes

Pear tomatoes are a special type of tomato that is both fun and tasty.¹ They were first grown in Europe in 1805.¹ These tomatoes look like pears and taste mild and sweet. They are great for gardens.¹

You can pick the classic yellow pear or the bright red pear. People who garden and cook at home love all types of pear tomatoes.

The yellow pear tomato is a classic small tomato.¹ It makes lots of mild lemon-colored fruits with less acid.¹ These plants can get very long and need lots of sun to grow well.¹

There is also a red pear type. It has big, bright red, tasty fruits.⁵ They were first shared in 1983 by John Hartman from Indiana.⁵ These tomatoes take 70-80 days to be ready once they are planted.⁵

Besides the yellow and red pears, you can find other kinds.⁵ There’s the chocolate pear, with unique red and green-brown fruits. It tastes rich.⁵ The Umberto pear has pink, 2 oz fruits with a strong flavor.⁵ If you like sweets, try the Flaming Burst. It looks like gold and is tiny.⁵

Pear-shaped tomatoes come in many colors and flavors.¹ You can choose from yellow, red, or other interesting types. These special tomatoes are a joy for anyone who gardens or cooks.

Pests and Disease Management

Pear tomatoes are mostly strong against diseases but can get sick too.⁶ Bugs like aphids, cutworms, and hornworms might go after them.⁶ A special kind called yellow pear can fight off certain diseases. But, it’s still at risk from other fungi and leaf diseases.⁷

Common Pests

⁶ The tomato fruitworm is the worst bug for tomatoes in South Carolina. It appears four or five times each year in the state.⁶ Potato aphids love plants like potato and tomato. In South Carolina, they never stop eating and making new aphids. About 50 aphids are born at a time.⁶

Green stink bugs eat many plants and gather on wild plants first. Then, they move to crops. Brown stink bugs do more harm in the South.⁶ Stink bugs start being active in spring when it’s warm, with two groups born in a year in South Carolina. They are most seen from July to October.⁶

Tobacco and tomato hornworms are big, green larvae that eat mainly nightshade plants. They spend winter underground and come out to lay eggs in June.

Disease Resistance

⁷ Tomato plants can get wilt diseases and show wilting signs. If the leaves become yellow and dry, it’s a bad sign.⁷ Powdery mildew looks like white powder on leaves. It can make the leaves fall off and let too much sun hurt the plant.⁷

Anthracnose makes small soggy spots on the fruit. This disease makes the fruit rot.⁷ Septoria leaf spot makes dark circles on the leaves. Then, leaves die, fall off, and the fruit doesn’t grow well.⁷

Botrytis makes brown spots and soft areas on the fruit. Plants can wilt from this disease.⁷ Bacterial speck causes dark spots on leaves and fruit, making less fruit grow.

Organic Pest Control Methods

Using good bugs and natural methods can keep pests away from pear tomatoes. Proper planting and cutting can also help. This is a safe way to protect your plants. Integrated pest management and preventing diseases are great ways to help your plants grow. Pear tomato pests and pear tomato diseases can be controlled this way, even without chemicals.

Harvesting Pear Tomatoes

Knowing when to pick pear tomatoes is key to a great harvest. They should be a lemon color and feel soft when pressing them gently.¹ They grow close together, so the ones nearer to the stem usually ripen first. You can pick them individually or wait for the whole cluster to be ready. Be gentle, not to hurt the tomatoes.

Identifying Ripeness

Look for pear tomatoes that are completely lemon-colored. When they yield a bit under gentle pressure, they are ripe.¹ This is the best time to pick them.

Harvesting Techniques

There are two ways to pick pear tomatoes. You can either gather the whole ripe cluster or choose and pick individual ones.¹ But whatever you decide, handle them gently. This protects them from getting crushed or bruised.

Using Pear Tomatoes in Cooking

Pear tomatoes are great for many dishes, both fresh and cooked. They’re perfect for salads, sandwiches, and fresh meals. Also, they work well in sauces and salsas. You can even can, dry, or preserve them.⁸

Fresh Uses

Want to add some variety to your dishes? Try pear tomatoes! They look and taste unique. Use them in soups, like roasted pear tomato and yellow pepper bisque. Or have them raw in a salad since they’re not too acidy and great for sandwiches and bruschetta.

Cooking and Preserving

With their firm texture, pear tomatoes are good for cooking and saving. Try them in a balsamic glaze as a side. Or make a tasty yellow pear tomato salsa. You can also can dry or freeze them. Then, enjoy their taste all year.

Recipes Featuring Pear Tomatoes

Pear tomatoes make dishes from easy to fancy. Roast them with balsamic. Pair them with basil and mozzarella. Or make a fresh gazpacho.⁹ There are so many ways to use these special tomatoes.

Growing Pear Tomatoes in Containers

Pear tomatoes thrive in containers just as well as in the ground. Pick a container that’s at least 10 gallons and has good drainage. This ensures your plant has enough space for both its growth and roots.¹

Container Selection

Fill your container with a high-quality potting mix mixed with compost.¹ Since container plants can dry out quickly and use nutrients quickly, they’ll need more water and food.¹

Potting Mix and Fertilizer

To help your pear tomato plants grow well, they’ll need support.¹ Keeping temperatures between 70 and 90 degrees F is perfect for their flowers and fruits.¹

Watering and Care

When you plant yellow pear tomatoes, use a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10).¹ They should get at least 1 inch of water every week. You can do this with drip irrigation or by watering the soil directly.¹

Saving Seeds for Next Season

It’s mid-September, so it’s time for pear tomato fans to consider the next season. Saving pear tomato seeds is a great way to prepare. Saving their seeds is easy whether they grow on your rooftop or in a garden. It’s also very rewarding.

Seed Extraction Process

Cut ripe pear tomatoes and put the pulp and seeds in a container.¹⁰ Unlike peppers, these seeds need a couple of days to ferment. This step helps remove the gel.¹⁰ You’ll know the fermentation is done when white mold appears on top.¹⁰

After that, rinse the seeds to remove the mold and pulp.¹⁰ This makes sure only the good seeds are kept.

Drying and Storing Seeds

Once cleaned, it’s time to dry the seeds for storage. Lay them out in one layer on something clean. Let them dry for a few days.¹⁰ And don’t forget to label each variety clearly. It will help in the next planting season.¹⁰

Keep the dried, labeled seeds in a cool, dry place. This way, you can grow your favorite pear tomatoes again.¹⁰

Conclusion

Pear tomatoes are special for any home garden. They have a unique shape and taste. They are also very useful in cooking. Pear-shaped fruit in tomatoes is due to a single recessive gene¹¹.

This gene is linked to how tomato plants grow. Another gene called constricting corolla, makes the fruit look like a pear¹¹. This guide covers everything you need to know. It will help you grow and enjoy pear tomatoes.

You can choose from yellow to red pear tomatoes, among others. They bring joy to those who grow them and cook with them. The shapes mix at a 3:1 ratio¹¹. This guide offers statistics on the fruit’s shape in hybrids¹¹.

You can include pear tomatoes in your garden and kitchen using this article’s advice. This will make your home-grown food even more interesting and varied.

FAQ about Pear Tomatoes

What are pear tomatoes?

Pear tomatoes have a unique shape and taste. They look like little pears and come in red, yellow, or chocolate colors. These tomatoes have a mild flavor and are great for salads and sauces.

What is the history and origins of pear tomatoes?

Pear tomatoes have a long history, dating back to the 17th century in Europe. They get their pear-like shape from a special genetic twist. This makes them longer at the top and rounder at the bottom.

What are the different varieties of pear tomatoes?

There are quite a few types of pear tomatoes. Some common ones include the yellow pear, red pear, and chocolate pear. Others are the Umberto pear and Flaming Burst. Each one has a bit of a different taste and look.

How do you plant and grow pear tomatoes?

To grow pear tomatoes, find a sunny spot and prepare the soil well. This plant likes full sun and needs rich, well-draining soil. Make sure to bury some of the stems when you first plant them. They’ll also need something to climb on as they grow.

How do you care for and maintain pear tomato plants?

Caring for pear tomato plants involves watering and feeding them right. They need at least an inch of water a week. Use a balanced fertilizer when planting, followed by a high-phosphorus one six weeks later. Trim the plants and remove some parts to keep them healthy.

Are pear tomatoes susceptible to pests and diseases?

Even though they’re somewhat disease-resistant, pear tomatoes can still get pests and diseases. Watch out for bugs like aphids and caterpillars and leaf problems. Using natural methods to control pests is best for the environment.

When and how do you harvest pear tomatoes?

Harvest pear tomatoes when they turn lemon-colored and feel a bit soft. You can pick the whole cluster or just pick the ripe ones. Be gentle to avoid squishing them.

How can pear tomatoes be used in cooking?

Pear tomatoes can be used in many recipes. They’re good fresh in salads and sandwiches. They’re also great for cooking, like making sauces and salsas.

Can pear tomatoes be grown in containers?

Yes, pear tomatoes can grow in containers. Use a big pot with good drainage. They’ll need more water and food this way. Also, they need support as they grow tall.

How do you save pear tomato seeds for next season?

Saving pear tomato seeds is easy. Scoop out the seeds, then let them ferment in water for a bit. Once dry, you can store them for planting next year. They’ll keep it this way for several years.