Growing Gum Drop Yellow Tomatoes in the Vegetable Garden

Start by sowing the seeds indoors, about 7-9 weeks before your last spring frost date. Plant the seeds at a depth of 0.25 inches in well-draining, loose, slightly acidic (6.2 to 6.8) soil. Use a seed tray or pots to provide ample space for the seeds to germinate. Make sure the soil is moisture-retaining, but avoid overwatering to prevent common issues like blossom end rot and other diseases. Provide a temperature of 65-85°F for germination. When transplanting outdoors, space the tomato plants 18 to 36 inches apart, with rows 36 inches apart. Since Gum Drop Yellow is an indeterminate variety, make sure to provide support like a cage or trellis as they grow and sprawl throughout the season. This ensures a bountiful harvest of these sweet, citrusy cherry tomatoes that are perfect for salads, fresh eating, or small slicing.

While these tomato plants are relatively straightforward to care for, a few key maintenance tasks can ensure a fruitful harvest. First, as these tomatoes are indeterminate vines, it's wise to prune them regularly to maintain proper airflow and ward off diseases. Providing sturdy support, such as cages or trellises, is also essential to keep the plants off the ground, reducing the risk of fruit rot and simplifying the harvesting process. Consistent watering, preferably at the plant's base in the morning, helps avoid issues like blossom end rot. Be sure to use mulch around the plants to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and inhibit weed growth. Additionally, ensure the soil is nutrient-rich but balanced – tomatoes favor phosphorus and potassium over excessive nitrogen. Companion planting with basil can enhance flavor and deter pests, while marigolds serve as natural insect repellents. To further safeguard your crop, practice crop rotation if you're planting tomatoes in the same area as in previous years.

Harvesting Gum Drop Yellow Tomatoes

Harvesting Gum Drop Yellow Hybrid tomatoes is a rewarding process that requires attention to the fruit's appearance and an understanding of the variety's growth habit. These tomatoes are classified as indeterminate, meaning they continue to produce throughout the growing season. To determine the right time for harvesting, keep an eye on the tomatoes' color and firmness. When the small grape tomatoes turn a bright yellow hue and feel slightly soft to the touch, they are usually at their peak ripeness. Unlike determinate varieties that tend to ripen all at once, indeterminate tomatoes like Gum Drop Yellow Hybrid produce fruit continuously. Therefore, you can harvest individual tomatoes as they reach the desired stage of ripeness. Gently twist or snip the ripe tomatoes from the vine to avoid damaging the plant. This method allows you to enjoy a steady supply of sweet, citrusy cherry tomatoes for an extended period during the growing season.

About Gum Drop Yellow Tomato Garden Seeds

The Gum Drop Yellow Hybrid tomato is a delightful addition to the tomato family and was specially bred to offer a unique, tangy flavor. Its bright yellow, grape-like tomatoes are known for their sweet, citrusy flavor, making them a popular choice among gardeners looking to add a burst of color and taste to their gardens and salads.

The Gum Drop Yellow Hybrid, being an indeterminate plant with a sprawling growth habit, may not be the best choice for container gardens or hanging baskets due to its size and growth pattern. It thrives when provided adequate space and support for its vines to spread, as it continues to produce fruit throughout the season. Therefore, it is better suited for garden plots, raised beds, or greenhouses, where it can grow to its full potential. This variety offers an excellent choice for gardeners who want to enjoy a steady supply of these delectable yellow cherry tomatoes.

Tips From Our Gardeners

"To encourage the best flavor in your Gum Drop Yellow Hybrid tomatoes, try the "Dry-Farm" technique. This method involves reducing watering as the fruit ripens, which can concentrate the sugars in the tomatoes, making them even sweeter. Start by gradually reducing watering when the fruit is beginning to change color, typically a couple of weeks before expected harvest. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings, but be mindful not to stress the plants too much. This technique can intensify the tomato's natural sweetness and enhance your gardening experience."

- Chelsea Hafer, True Leaf Market Writer

Other Resources

• Guide to Tomatoes

Gum Drop Yellow Tomato Seeds Per Package:

• 300 mg packet - Approximately 70 Seeds
• .25 oz - Approximately 1,700 Seeds
• 1 oz - Approximately 6,800 Seeds
• 4 oz - Approximately 27,200 Seeds
• 1 lb - Approximately 108,800 Seeds

Non-GMO Gum Drop Yellow Tomato seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.