Plant two pear varieties for best pollination.
The flowers of most pear varieties can’t pollinate themselves. Instead, they must cross-pollinate with a different variety to develop fruit. A different variety of pear growing within 100 feet will provide the pollen necessary for fertilization. Plant pears in groups of two or more to make sure you get fruit. Insects are essential for transferring the pollen between plants, so avoid using pesticides around your trees while they’re in bloom.
Look for fire blight resistance.
Fire blight is the most common pear disease, and isn’t curable. An infected tree often dies within a couple of years unless you intervene to control the problem. Good news: several varieties are at least partially resistant to fully resistant to fire blight. When considering a pear variety, definitely give preference to one that has fire blight resistance or you may find yourself having to replace your tree in a few years.
Best Pear Trees for Cold Climates
Subzero temperatures and drying winter winds are challenging conditions for pear trees in general. However, a few types of pears can withstand the elements to produce juicy fruit year after year in Zones 3-5.
Best Pear Trees for Warm Climates
‘Bartlett’ and ‘Bosc’ grow well in warm climates and are popular pear varieties found in grocery stores. Unfortunately, they’re susceptible to fire blight so aren’t the best choice for a home garden. Instead, consider the following excellent types of pear trees, which are usually divided into two categories: European, which are most like soft, juicy ‘Bartlett’ pears, and Asian, which have a firm, crisp texture. Count on these varieties to fruit well in Zones 5-9.
Best Dwarf Pear Trees
Traditional pear trees reach lofty heights of 15 to 20 feet. Tall trees make it challenging to reach all the fruit. Dwarf and semi-dwarf pear trees, on the other hand, top out at 8 to 12 feet tall. Harvesting fruit from a dwarf or semi-dwarf tree can often be accomplished without the use of a ladder. Dwarf and semi-dwarf trees are created by grafting the productive upper part of a young tree onto a root stock that will keep the tree small. Most of the pear trees listed above are available on dwarfing and semi-dwarfing root stocks. Read plant tags carefully or research online to find out if a variety is on a dwarf or semi-dwarf root stock. Look for a mature size designation of 8 to 12 feet tall.
