🍅 Tomato ‘Red Pear Franchi’ Seeds | Heirloom Pear-Shaped Tomato | Franchi Seeds

Tomato ‘Red Pear Franchi’ of Bergamo (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is a magnificent heritage variety, celebrated for its unique and striking appearance as much as its superb flavour. As featured on BBC Gardeners’ World, this indeterminate (cordon) tomato produces large, heavy fruits weighing up to 220-230g, with a distinct pear shape, deep red skin, and pronounced vertical ribs.

The flesh is exceptionally dense, meaty, and contains very few seeds, offering a rich, robust tomato flavour that is both sweet and complex. Ideal for impressive salads, rustic sandwiches, and thick sauces, this tomato is a true showstopper. Its vigorous growth and generous yield make it a rewarding choice for gardeners seeking a visually stunning and delicious heirloom.

🌱 Sowing information
Sow seeds indoors in a warm, bright location. Sow 2-3 seeds per pot, about 0.5 cm deep, in quality seed compost. Thin to the strongest seedling. An early start under protection is key for these large, late-ripening fruits.

☀️ Light exposure
Requires a full sun position. The hottest, most sheltered spot—preferably against a south-facing wall or in a greenhouse—is essential for ripening these substantial fruits in Ireland.

💧 Water needs
Water seedlings regularly. Once established, water deeply and consistently at the base. Maintain even moisture to prevent blossom end rot and fruit splitting, especially as the large fruits develop.

🌡️ Germination temperature & time
Seeds need consistent warmth, ideally 18–24°C. Germination typically occurs within 7–14 days. A heated propagator is highly recommended.

📏 Plant spacing & final size
Space plants 60–70 cm apart in the ground or in very large containers (minimum 30L). These are tall, heavy-yielding vines that require extremely sturdy staking or a reinforced cage system.

🌼 Harvesting notes
Harvest when fruits are fully coloured, heavy, and have a slight give at the shoulder. Support individual heavy fruits with soft ties if necessary to prevent stems from breaking.

Bullet Technical Data
🌱 Sowing depth: 0.5 cm deep
📅 Ideal planting months for Ireland: Sow indoors February to April. Transplant outdoors after last frost, from late May.
☀️ Light requirements: Full sun
🌡️ Germination time: 7–14 days with warmth
📏 Plant height: Indeterminate vine, can reach 1.8-2.2m
🪴 Spacing: 60–70 cm between plants
⏳ Days to maturity: Approximately 85-95 days from transplanting

Tips & Tricks for Growing (Garden Expert Section)
In Ireland, this variety’s large fruits require a long, warm season. Start seeds as early as possible and consider growing in a greenhouse or polytunnel for guaranteed success. Planting against a heat-retaining wall is the next best option.

The heavy fruits demand super-strong support; use thick, tall stakes and tie the main stem regularly. Remove side-shoots diligently. Feed weekly with a high-potash tomato fertiliser once flowering starts. Due to the fruit size, thinning trusses to 3-4 fruits each can result in even larger, earlier-ripening tomatoes.

Garden-to-Table Recipe (for 4 people)
Heirloom Tomato ‘Red Pear’ & Burrata Board

Ingredients (for 4 people)

• 2-3 large ‘Red Pear Franchi’ tomatoes, sliced into thick wedges

• 2 balls of fresh burrata

• 200g mixed heritage cherry tomatoes, halved

• Fresh basil and oregano leaves

• Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling

• Flaky sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper

• Optional: crusty bread, olives, cured meats

Method – step-by-step

1. Arrange the large tomato wedges and halved cherry tomatoes on a large wooden board or platter.

2. Place the burrata balls in the centre and tear them open slightly to expose the creamy centre.

3. Scatter the fresh basil and oregano leaves generously over everything.

4. Drizzle abundantly with high-quality extra virgin olive oil.

5. Season generously with flaky sea salt and a generous grind of black pepper.

6. Serve immediately, allowing guests to help themselves. Provide crusty bread on the side to soak up the tomato juices and creamy burrata.

Serving suggestions & variations
This simple board celebrates the tomato’s beauty and flavour. Add accompaniments like grilled ciabatta, a bowl of olives, or slices of prosciutto for a complete antipasti spread. A drizzle of balsamic glaze can add a touch of sweetness. The key is using the finest, ripest tomatoes and the best olive oil you have.