Yellow Beams Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) – Small, Pear-Shaped, Bright Yellow Heirloom Tomato

Botanical Name: Solanum lycopersicum
Common Name: Yellow Beams Tomato
Heirloom | Open-Pollinated | Non-GMO | Annual

Yellow Beams is a charming heirloom tomato variety producing clusters of small, pear-shaped fruits with a vibrant yellow colour and deliciously sweet, mild flavour. Perfect for Irish gardeners growing under glass or in polytunnels, this variety offers reliable yields and a burst of sunshine to your summer harvest.

Horticultural Points

• Fruit Size: Small, pear-shaped, approximately 30–50g each
• Colour: Bright, glossy yellow
• Flavour: Sweet, mild, well-balanced acidity
• Plant Size: Indeterminate, requires staking or support
• Days to Maturity: 70–85 days from transplant under protection
• Yield: High, producing abundant clusters throughout the season

Growing Information (Irish Conditions)

• Sow Indoors: Late February to early March for transplanting in late May
• Growing Environment: Greenhouse or heated polytunnel recommended
• Transplant: After the last frost and when soil temperatures rise (May)
• Light: Full sun exposure, ideally 8+ hours daily
• Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil with plenty of organic matter, pH 6.0–6.8
• Watering: Keep soil consistently moist, but avoid waterlogging
• Feeding: Use balanced tomato fertiliser or liquid feed regularly during fruiting
• Spacing: 45–60 cm between plants
• Harvest: Pick when fruits reach full yellow colour and are slightly soft to the touch

Historical Background

• Yellow Beams is a traditional heirloom tomato known for its attractive, small, pear-shaped fruits and bright golden-yellow colour.
• Originating from European seed-saving traditions, it is prized for adding both visual interest and sweet flavour to summer tomato crops.
• Its suitability for cooler climates makes it a popular choice for Irish growers using greenhouses or polytunnels.

Gardening Tips

• Support plants with sturdy stakes or cages and prune suckers regularly to promote good airflow and larger fruit development.
• Mulching helps conserve moisture during the variable Irish growing season.