Organic 'Red Pear' Tomato
Organic 'Red Pear' tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) from the seed company Gaia, an old scarlet pear variety with spectacular yields and a vibrant flavor
The 'Red Pear' tomato is a heritage variety dating back to the 1700s, cherished for its old-fashioned charm and incredible productivity. Indeterminate and vigorous, it produces impressive clusters of hundreds of small, pear-shaped red tomatoes in a vibrant scarlet that catches the eye in the garden and in the kitchen. Their flavor is full, juicy, and slightly tart, offering a refreshing balance perfect for snacks, salads, and summer dishes. Low in seeds and with a delicious texture, these little red pears are also excellent for dehydrating or lightly cooking to concentrate their sweetness.
This mid-season variety, deeply rooted in European horticultural heritage, is prized for its inexhaustible generosity: it produces abundantly throughout the summer, bringing life and color to the vegetable garden. 'Red Pear' embodies the simple and authentic beauty of heirloom tomatoes, with a touch of elegance that never goes unnoticed.
Companion plants : Basil, parsley, carrot, asparagus, alliums, celery, borage, marigold, calendula, mint, sage, peppers, dill (until mature)
Negative plants : Potato, corn, kohlrabi, beetroot, fennel, peas, squash
Spread/Carry : Indeterminate, vigorous
Plant height : 150 to 200 cm
Quantity per packet : 25 seeds
Certification : Certified organic by Ecocert Canada
Special features : Red, pear-shaped fruits, very productive, bright and juicy flavor, heritage variety from the 18th century
Farming method
Sow indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost. Plant seeds 3–6 mm (1/8–1/4") deep in a light, warm potting mix. Maintain a temperature of 23–29°C for rapid germination in 5 to 10 days . Reduce watering and nitrogen during hardening-off to encourage strong seedlings before transplanting.
Transplant once all risk of frost has passed. Space plants 60 to 90 cm (24 to 36 inches) apart and leave 120 to 180 cm (4 to 6 feet) between rows. Provide full sun (level 3) and regular watering (watering level 3) . Sturdy staking is essential to support the numerous fruit clusters.
Harvesting and preservation
Harvest when the fruits have turned scarlet and are fully expressing their tangy aroma. To get an early harvest, pick the tomatoes as soon as they begin to color , then let them ripen off the vine at 22°C or higher . Store between 12 and 21°C with 95% relative humidity to preserve their quality.
Usage ideas
• Perfect as a fresh, juicy and slightly tangy snack
• Delicious in crunchy salads or colorful compositions
• Excellent for dehydration , delivering surprising softness
• Ideal for small roasts or stir-fries , where its texture holds up well
The 'Red Pear' tomato is a gem of heritage: elegant, generous, and bursting with flavor. A variety that delights as much with its appearance as with its taste, and which fully deserves a place in any vegetable garden that cherishes heirloom tomatoes.
