There’s nothing more rewarding than a pear harvested fresh in your backyard, and nothing more delicious than biting into that juicy fruit freshly picked from your tree. Somehow it just tastes better.
Part of successfully growing a pear tree is planning. Depending on the variety, pear trees can grow up to 30 feet tall and need certain requirements to grow. Knowing where to plant beforehand and identifying possible issues are the keys to successfully growing a pear tree.
Choosing the location
Pear trees can grow in almost any type of soil as long as there is good drainage. But the best for your tree is a well-drained area with rich loamy soil. Don’t worry if the soil in your backyard isn’t perfect. There are always ways to make things better.
Pears love the sun. Find a location where your pear can receive full sunlight for at least six to eight hours a day.
Soil Amendments
There are always ways to make soil better. You can adjust the moisture retention of your soil by adding soil amendments such as compost. Clay soils are rich in nutrients but tend to drain slowly and may cause root rots and lack of oxygen, while sandy soil may have problems retaining moisture. Adding a compost or coco-fiber medium can help improve drainage in heavy clay soil and water retention in sandy soil. Soil amendments also enrich the ground and improve its ability to give nutrients to the tree.
Spacing
If you plan to plant a pear tree simply to have it as an addition to your landscape for its lush foliage and flowers, then you need not worry about spacing. But if you want a fruit-bearing pear tree you should have at least two or more.
Pear trees like other fruit-bearing trees need Cross-pollination to bear fruit. You will need two different varieties of the same type of tree. Of course, you will have to plant your trees close to each (20-25 feet) since pollens are carried thru wind and by insects.
So Which Pear Tree Pollinate each other?
Almost all pear trees that bloom at the same time are suitable for pollinating. Bartlett pears, Anjou pears, and Kieffer are fine examples. Because they all bloom at the same time, you can inter-mix these varieties and get successful pollination. Choosing two cultivars as partners increase the chance of pollination.
Can a pear tree grow in a pot?
If there are fruit trees that can be grown in less than ideal conditions then pear trees are one of them. Growing pear trees in containers are just the same as growing them in your backyard. Make sure the planting pots have good drainage and should at least be twice as deep and as wide as the size of the root ball. Oh, and of course use good quality potting soil.
Like regular pear trees, make sure you place your containers in a location where it can at least six to eight hours of sunlight every day. Because the soil in pots tends to dry out faster you need to be mindful of your soil’s moisture level, watering as often as need be.