When to Plant and Harvest Tomato
Charming heirloom producing clusters of small pear-shaped golden tomatoes with mild, sweet flavor
Soil pH: Target soil pH 6.5. Lime if a soil test reads below 6.0. Keep it within 6.0 to 7.0. Soil Test Desk
Curing and storage: Store at 55 to 70F and 90 to 95% humidity. Keeps about 2 to 5 weeks near 55F. Cure: No curing. Pick mature green fruit before frost. Do not refrigerate green tomatoes. Below 50F they do not ripen well. Harvest Storage Desk
Pets: Toxic to dogs and cats (ASPCA). ASPCA lists the plant as toxic and notes that ripe fruit is non-toxic. Keep pets off the vines, leaves, and stems. ASPCA entry. Pet-Safe Garden Finder
Flavor notes: Mild, sweet, and low-acid.
Variety notes: Small heirloom type for salads and fresh eating.
Best Time and Place to Plant Tomato
In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is April 1 to May 15. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Plant Yellow Pear Tomato in a spot with 6+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 60F to 85F, and enough room for 24 inches between plants and 36 inches between rows.
Related Planting Guides
Planting Windows by Zone
| Zone | Spring | Fall |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | May 15 to June 15 | Spring only |
| Zone 2 | May 10 to June 10 | Spring only |
| Zone 3 | May 1 to June 1 | Spring only |
| Zone 4 | April 20 to May 30 | Spring only |
| Zone 5 | April 15 to May 25 | Spring only |
| Zone 6 | April 10 to May 20 | Spring only |
| Zone 7 | April 1 to May 15 | Spring only |
| Zone 8 | March 20 to May 10 | Spring only |
| Zone 9 | March 10 to May 1 | August 1 to September 15 |
| Zone 10 | February 15 to April 15 | August 15 to October 1 |
| Zone 11 | January 15 to March 15 | September 1 to November 1 |
| Zone 12 | January 1 to March 1 | October 1 to December 1 |
| Zone 13 | Year-round | Year-round |
Spacing and Care
- Planting depth: 0.25 inches deep
- Spacing: 24 inches apart, 36 inches between rows
- Soil temperature: 60F to 85F
- Sunlight: 6+ hours
- Watering: Water deeply 2-3 times per week; consistent moisture reduces cracking
- Days to harvest: 70
Fertilization
- 10-10-10 Balanced synthetic: 2 lbs per 100 sq ft at planting
- Compost organic: 2-3 inches worked into soil before planting
- Fish Emulsion organic: Every 2 weeks, diluted per label
Companion Plants
- Basil
- Carrots
- Marigold
Avoid Planting Near
- Fennel
- Cabbage
- Potatoes
Check any pair, and see which pairings have research behind them, on the Companion Planting Desk.
Harvest Signs
- Fruits are golden yellow and pear-shaped
- Easily detach with slight twist
- Flavor is mildest when fully yellow
- Harvest continuously to encourage more production
Track picks and rate the season on the Harvest Log.
FAQs
When should I plant Tomato?
Tomato planting depends on your USDA hardiness zone. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is April 1 to May 15. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
What is the best time of year to plant Tomato?
The best time of year to plant Tomato is when your zone planting window is open and soil temperatures are around 60F to 85F. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is April 1 to May 15. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Where is the best place to plant Tomato?
Plant Yellow Pear Tomato in a spot with 6+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 60F to 85F, and enough room for 24 inches between plants and 36 inches between rows.
How far apart should I plant Tomato?
Plant Tomato about 24 inches apart, with rows around 36 inches apart.
What grows well with Tomato?
Tomato is commonly paired with Basil, Carrots, Marigold.
How long does Tomato take to grow?
Tomato is typically ready to harvest in about 70 days under good conditions. Use the harvest signs below rather than the calendar alone.
How do I know when to harvest Tomato?
Harvest Tomato when fruits are golden yellow and pear-shaped. Easily detach with slight twist Flavor is mildest when fully yellow