Bring classic orchard beauty and delicious harvests to your garden with the European Pear Tree (Pyrus communis). A timeless fruit-bearing tree known for its fragrant white flowers and sweet, juicy green pears, it’s ideal for home gardens, orchards, or edible landscapes.
The European pear is cherished for its smooth texture, delicate aroma, and balanced flavor. As a deciduous tree, it provides seasonal interest—from spring blossoms to summer fruit and golden autumn foliage. Perfect for gardeners seeking a long-lived, rewarding fruit tree.
Features
- Delicious Green Pears: Crisp, sweet, and aromatic fruit ideal for fresh eating or canning.
- Fragrant White Flowers: Adds beauty and pollinator appeal to spring gardens.
- Cold Hardy: Performs well in temperate climates with proper winter chilling.
- Long-Lived Tree: A classic addition to home orchards.
- High Nutritional Value: Rich in fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin C.
Specifications
- Common Name: European Pear / Common Pear
- Scientific Name: Pyrus communis
- Plant Type: Deciduous fruit tree
- USDA Zones: 4 – 9
- Mature Height: 15 – 30 ft (4.5 – 9 m)
- Spread: 10 – 20 ft (3 – 6 m)
- Light Requirements: Full sun
- Soil Type: Loamy, well-draining soil enriched with organic matter
- Soil pH: 6.0 – 7.5
- Watering: Regular during establishment; moderate once mature
- Temperature Range: 35 – 85°F (1 – 29°C)
- Germination Time: 2 – 3 months (cold stratification required)
- Bloom Time: Spring
- Fruit Season: Late summer to early fall
- GMO Status: 100% Non-GMO
- Organic Status: Naturally produced, untreated seeds
- Uses: Fresh eating, baking, juicing, canning, and ornamental landscaping
Planting Guide
- Cold Stratification: Place seeds in moist sand and refrigerate for 60–90 days.
- Sow: Plant ½ inch deep in nutrient-rich potting soil.
- Light: Provide bright, indirect sunlight for germination.
- Temperature: Keep soil between 65–75°F (18–24°C).
- Watering: Keep evenly moist but avoid soggy soil.
- Transplant: Move outdoors after the last frost into full sun.
- Spacing: 15–20 ft apart for proper growth and airflow.
- Pollination: Plant more than one tree for better fruit set.
- Harvest: Pick pears when firm and allow to ripen off the tree.
Care Tips
- Prune annually in late winter to shape the canopy and improve airflow.
- Fertilize in spring with balanced compost or organic fertilizer.
- Mulch around the base to retain moisture and reduce weeds.
- Protect young trees from frost and wildlife.
- Ensure cross-pollination by planting multiple compatible pear varieties nearby.