Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Pears need more pruning when they are growing rapidly than some of the other fruits, especially if
you're training them to a small space or special shape. When they are established and fruiting they
don't need as much pruning. Pears tend to do well trained to a central leader form and usually have
a naturally upright habit, but they are easy to train into gorgeous espalier shapes if desired.
This is a fully mature pear tree that has been well maintained in the espalier. The attractive bark is gorgeous,
the spring blooms hint at fruit to come, and the shape is eye-catching.
(Photo courtesy of Jill Robidoux)
As with apples and peaches, you should thin your pear tree fruit when the fruit is very small so that
your trees will bear fruit each year, instead of alternating years of fruit.
Harvest the European pears while they are still a touch unripe and they will ripen after harvest.
The color change of the skin is your clue to harvest. Pears can store for a while, in some cases
several weeks, especially if harvested underripe and kept in a cool place.
Cultivars to try:
Blake's Pride
is hardy to zone 4, a boon for northern gardeners, and is a delicious,
light-gold pear.
Comice
is a classic-shaped, large pear with a soft, sweet taste and it performs best in
the West.
Seckel
is a small pear but it has a delicious, full flavor and is not only fireblight resistant,
but is hardy through zone 4.
Summercrisp
is a pear known for reliable fruit production and sweet
flavor that performs well in zones 3 through 5.
Warren
needs only 600 chill hours and is a large
pear with smooth, juicy flesh and good disease resistance even in more humid climates, which is
why it excels in zones 7 through 9.