Plant Profile: Pear

Pear:

            General info: Many pears (Pyrus) are self-pollinating, but may produce better if cross pollinated. Plant at least two varieties for cross-pollination. Pear trees typically reach 15-30’ tall and 10-20’ wide. Pears are best and last the longest when they are picked just before they are ripe, and are then allowed to finish ripening off the tree. Pears are one of the most tolerant fruit trees of differing soil and other conditions.

            Landscape uses: Small specimen or shade tree; can be trained as an espalier.

            Ornamental qualities: Showy white blossoms in spring; attractive glossy leaves turn colors in fall.

           

            Planting: Plant in full sun, including early morning sun if possible. (Early morning sun dries the dew from the leaves, reducing the chance for disease.) Plant in well drained soil.

           

            Pruning: Pears tend to grow upward and need early pruning and training to ensure a strong tree. Trim off any branches closer than 18” to the ground, and thin out any crossing, diseased or broken branches and vigorous upright sprouts from the branches. Lower limbs can be tied down to 45 degree angles to help open up the canopy. NOTE: Remove diseased branches as soon as they appear by cutting at least 6 in. below the diseased area. Sterilize your pruning tool after each cut. (Rubbing alcohol or a 1:9 bleach/water mixture works well.) Dispose of or burn the diseased limbs.

           

            Fertilizing/Watering: Fertilize annually in early spring, and again after the fruit has ripened. Supplement water during periods of drought.

Varieties:

            Ayers: High quality pear for the south. Medium size yellow fruit with red blush. Very sweet flavor, no grit. Excellent for fresh eating. Ripens mid-Aug. Needs pollinator. Chill hours: 500-700

            Hood: Yellow-green pear, soft flesh and a sweet, pineapply flavor similar to an Asian pear. Not grainy or bitter. Excellent for fresh eating, drying or pies. High resistance to fire blight. Early bloom. Ripens in July. Need pollinator. Chill hours: 150

            Keiffer: Most widely grown pear of the South. Popular with deer hunters. Large golden colored fruit with a crimson blush. Crisp, juicy white flesh with a coarse texture. Excellent for canning and baking. Pick the fruit and store in a cool place, will sweeten over time as it ripens. Vigorous and very hardy. Ripens Sept.-Nov. Self-pollinating. Chill hours: 350-400

            Moonglow: Medium to large, yellow fruit with a pink blush. Soft texture, sweet taste, no grit. Good fresh or for canning. Ripens August-September. Needs pollinator. Chill hours: 700, 500+

            Orient: Firm yellow fruit with smooth, juicy, sweet flesh. Good for cooking and canning with a mild sweet flavor. Fire blight resistant. Medium to late bloom. Ripens in August. Best with pollinator. Chill hours: 350-400

            Pineapple: Bears heavy crops of large, tart pineapple-like flavored fruit. Good for cooking, canning or fresh eating. Bears at an early age. Fire blight resistant. Ripens in August. Self-pollinating, but produces better with pollinator. Chill hours: 150-250

           

            Shinko: Most fire blight resistant of the Asian pears. Medium to large fruit. Excellent, rich, sweet flavor. Brownish-green pear ripens mid-August through mid-September. Stores well through January.

            Shinseiki: Asian Pear, with crisp, white, crunchy flesh and tasty, mild, sweet flavor. Round, medium sized golden fruit. Best when ripened on the tree. Keeps well under refrigeration after harvest. Originally developed in Japan. Ripens in late July, to mid August. Stores extremely well until March. Bears fruit at a young age. Some resistance to fire blight. Needs pollinator. Chill hours: 400, 350-450