Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
winter temperatures fall below −20°F (−29°C). Hardiness ratings of varieties
in some nursery catalogs range from Zone 4 in the north to Zone 9 in the
south. Hardiness ratings of Zone 5 to Zone 8 are usually more accurate. A
few low-chilling varieties have been developed that perform well in Zone 9.
For commercial orchards, production in Zones 6 to 8 is generally most reli-
able.
Most European pear varieties require around 900 to 1,000 chilling hours
to break dormancy, but breeders have developed varieties for southern grow-
ers that require only about 100 chilling hours. European varieties bloom
somewhat later than Asian pears and stone fruits, and generally before most
apple varieties. Consider providing frost protection if your site is susceptible
to late spring frosts.
Ripening dates vary widely among European pear varieties. Be sure to se-
lect varieties that will ripen within the growing season at your location. 'Har-
row Delight' and 'Moonglow' are cold-hardy, ripen early, and have some fire
blight resistance or tolerance. 'Bartlett' and the somewhat blight-resistant
varieties 'Anjou' and 'Seckel' can be difficult to ripen in short-season areas.
Pollination.
Some varieties ('Bartlett', 'Comice', and 'Hardy') are reasonably
self-fruitful under ideal growing conditions. Most other varieties are con-
sidered at least partially to completely self-unfruitful. For best results, plant
with a pollinizer variety.
Varieties.
Although nearly 3,000 European pear varieties have been named,
worldwide only a handful are produced commercially and at home. 'Bartlett',
known as 'Williams' in Europe and former British colonies, accounts for at
least 80 percent of production in the United States and is very popular
with overseas commercial growers. Other popular varieties in cool, high-
chilling areas of North America include various strains of 'Anjou', 'Bosc',
'Clairgeau', 'Clapp', 'Comice', 'Duchess', 'Flemish Beauty', 'Kieffer', and 'Seckel'.
Somewhat farther south, popular medium-chilling varieties include 'Ayers',
'Baldwin', 'Bartlett', 'Carnes', 'Garber', 'Kieffer', 'Orient', and 'Tennessee'. Low-
