Seed Depth: 1/4 inch

Seed Spacing: 24–36 inches

Row Spacing: 36 inches

Sunlight: Full sun

Days to Sprout: 7–14 days

Days to Maturity: 70–80 days

Growth Habit: Indeterminate, Vining

Sunlight: Choose a location that receives full sun for at least 6-8 hours a day. Tomatoes thrive in warm, sunny conditions.

Soil: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8. Amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility and drainage. Tomatoes are heavy feeders, so nutrient-rich soil is essential for optimal growth.

When to Plant: Tomatoes are warm-season crops that should be planted after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed to at least 60°F (16°C). In cooler climates, start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date and transplant them outdoors after the soil has warmed.

Direct Sowing: Not recommended; starting indoors ensures stronger seedlings.

Starting Indoors: Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in seed-starting mix. Keep the soil moist and maintain a temperature of 70-85°F (21-29°C). Transplant seedlings outdoors when they are 6-8 inches tall and the danger of frost has passed.

Transplanting: Space plants 24-36 inches apart in rows spaced 36-48 inches apart. Plant tomatoes deeply, burying two-thirds of the stem to encourage strong root development.

Watering: Provide consistent moisture, 1-2 inches per week. Water deeply at the base; avoid overhead watering to prevent disease.

Fertilization: Apply balanced fertilizer at planting. Side-dress with high-potassium fertilizer when flowering begins and again after first harvest.

Mulching/Weeding: Apply 2-3 inches of organic mulch after soil warms to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Weed by hand as needed.

Staking/Pruning: Support vines early with cages, stakes, or trellises. Prune suckers regularly to improve airflow and direct energy to fruit.

Common Pests: Monitor for aphids, hornworms, flea beetles, and spider mites. Hand-pick large pests; use insecticidal soap or neem oil for aphids and mites.

Disease Management: Prevent blight and leaf spot with good airflow, crop rotation, and dry foliage. Remove affected leaves or fruits promptly. Use organic fungicides preventively in humid conditions if needed. Pear-shaped varieties are prone to blossom end rot—maintain even soil moisture.

When to Harvest: Pick when fruits are fully golden-yellow, slightly soft to the touch, and have a glossy shine. Harvest frequently to encourage more production—Yellow Pear ripens continuously throughout the season.

How to Harvest: Gently twist or clip fruits from the stem with scissors or fingers to avoid damaging the vine or tearing the calyx. Handle carefully to prevent bruising the thin-skinned tomatoes.

Storing Fresh Tomatoes: Store at room temperature away from direct sunlight for best flavor (up to 1 week). Refrigerate only if very ripe and use within a few days—cold can dull sweetness and texture.

Harvesting Seeds: Allow several fully ripe fruits to stay on the vine until soft. Scoop out seeds with gel, ferment in water 2–3 days, rinse, dry on paper for 1–2 weeks, then store.

Storing Seeds: Keep dried seeds in a cool, dark, dry place in airtight containers or envelopes. Properly stored, they remain viable for 4–7 years. Label with variety and date.