How to Grow Bud's Yellow
Wikimedia Commons
Bud's Yellow
Solanum lycopersicum 'Bud's Yellow'
vegetableBud's Yellow is a heirloom tomato variety prized for its bright yellow, medium-sized fruits with a rich, sweet flavor. This indeterminate variety produces fruit throughout the season and is known for its disease resistance and reliable productivity. The tomato has a smooth skin and meaty interior, making it excellent for fresh eating and cooking.
When should you plant Bud's Yellow in your zone?
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Example Bud's Yellow timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Bud's Yellow
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Bud's Yellow
Around Jun 26≈ 70 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Bud's Yellow dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 4-10; grows as an annual in cooler zones
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Get my Bud's Yellow timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
3-4 weeksYoung plants with 2-4 true leaves emerge 7-10 days after germination at 70-80°F soil temperature
Provide bright light to prevent leggy growth; maintain consistent moisture; thin if crowded; ensure good air circulation
Vegetative
3-4 weeks indoors; 2-3 weeks after transplantingStrong stem development with increasing leaf production; plant grows rapidly and develops robust root system
Harden off seedlings before transplanting outdoors; space properly; provide sturdy support structure; begin light fertilizing with balanced fertilizer
Flowering
3-4 weeksYellow flowers appear in clusters; plant establishes first flower trusses and continues vegetative growth
Maintain consistent watering and calcium levels; provide sturdy stakes or cages; consider light pruning of lower suckers on indeterminate types; ensure adequate pollination (gentle shaking helps)
Fruiting
4-6 weeksSmall green fruits develop and enlarge; fruits gradually transition from green to yellow as they mature and ripen
Continue consistent deep watering; avoid overfeeding nitrogen which reduces flavor; prune excessive foliage for air circulation; provide shade cloth in extreme heat
Harvest
Ongoing until first frostBright yellow fruits reach full size and develop deep golden color; skin yields slightly to gentle pressure when fully ripe
Pick fruits at first blush of color for best flavor if ripening on vine; can pick at mature green stage and ripen indoors if frost threatens; continue harvesting as new flowers produce fruit
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick; encourage parasitic wasps; use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray; inspect leaf undersides regularly
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Use yellow sticky traps; spray neem oil or insecticidal soap; maintain good air circulation; remove heavily infested leaves
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Increase humidity; spray water to dislodge; use miticide or neem oil; introduce predatory mites
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Remove lower infected leaves; improve air circulation; mulch to prevent soil splash; use sulfur or copper fungicide spray
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Ensure excellent air circulation; avoid wetting foliage; use copper or chlorothalonil fungicide; remove infected plant parts immediately
Uses
Fresh slicing and salads
CulinaryThe sweet, mild flavor and low acidity make Bud's Yellow ideal for fresh eating, slicing into salads, and breakfast dishes. The yellow color adds visual appeal to mixed green and heirloom tomato platters. [source]
Sauces and cooking
CulinaryWhile excellent fresh, Bud's Yellow produces a smooth, flavorful sauce when cooked down. The meaty interior with few seeds makes it suitable for pasta sauces and tomato paste production. [source]
Rich in lycopene and antioxidants
MedicinalLike all tomatoes, Bud's Yellow contains lycopene and other carotenoid antioxidants that support heart health and may reduce disease risk. Yellow tomatoes contain lutein and other beneficial compounds distinct from red varieties. [source]
Seed saving and preservation
HouseholdAs a true heirloom open-pollinated variety, Bud's Yellow seeds breed true, making it ideal for home seed saving. Seeds can be fermented, dried, and stored for multiple growing seasons. [source]
Garden biodiversity
WildlifeGrowing heirloom varieties like Bud's Yellow supports garden pollinator populations and provides habitat for beneficial insects. The vigorous indeterminate growth habit creates structure for pollinators and predatory insects. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Pick fruits when fully yellow and slightly soft to touch for peak flavor; harvest at mature green stage before frost and ripen indoors in a paper bag at room temperature; regular picking encourages continued fruit production
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Bud's Yellow is named after Bud Eberly, a legendary Pennsylvania heirloom seed grower and gardener who preserved this variety for decades before sharing it with the broader seed-saving community.
- 🌱 Yellow tomatoes like Bud's Yellow have lower lycopene levels than red varieties but contain unique lutein compounds, making them nutritionally distinct rather than less healthy.
- 🌱 This indeterminate variety will continue producing fruit until the first frost, potentially yielding 100+ fruits per plant under ideal conditions.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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