Description
Kieffer Pear Trees are some of the most versatile fruit trees you can grow. They are cold hardy, can take hot summers, and are even resistant to short periods of drought. Kieffer Pear Trees reach heights of up to 25 feet, and produce large, yellow, tasty pears that are considered to be one of the finest quality pears available. They have crisp juicy flesh and can be used for everything from eating fresh to baking and canning.
Kieffer Pear Trees are suitable for growing in USDA Zones 4 to 9, making them a variety that can be grown in warmer southern regions when compared to other pears. These beautiful trees like full sun, well-drained soil, and a steady supply of water with periods of slight soil drying in between. Treat yourself to fragrant white blooms in spring, followed by ripe delectable Kieffer Pears ready to harvest in October.
Pear Tree Care
Kieffer Pear Trees are fast growing and can often set fruit in their first year in the ground. They are cold hardy down to 20 degrees F. Plant your new Kieffer Pear Tree in a spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day in the spring and summer months. Dig a hole that is twice as wide and as deep as the potted tree’s container. Fill with rich soil and water well.
Water Kieffer Pear Trees when soil is dry to 2 or 3 inches deep. In most climates this means watering your Kieffer Pear Tree about once per week. It is important that the tree is never saturated to a point where the soil remains soggy. In hotter months Kieffer Pear Trees may need more frequent watering. However, stop watering your Kieffer Pear Trees after the first frost of fall occurs. Resume watering when all threat of frost has passed in spring.
Fruit & Harvesting
Kieffer Pears have a classic pear shape with a wide, rounded body and narrowing neck toward the stem end. The trees put forth fragrant white blooms in spring and the show attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinating creatures such as moths and even bats. By September and October the pears are ripening. Pick the Kieffer Pears when the yellow fruit starts to show a scattered red to brown blush on the largest fruits.
Kieffer Pears can be easily harvested by hand. Firmly grasp the fruit, and pull down with a gentle twisting motion. You can also harvest Kieffer Pears with hand clippers. Once harvested, the ripe Kieffer Pears can be eaten fresh right away, or stored for as long as a few months. Peaches can also be canned, used in baking, salads, and blended into refreshing beverages.
Advice
Since Kieffer Pear Trees begin to produce fruit even when the trees are young, it is a good idea to prune the trees to help them maintain a sturdy form. Cut back he main, center, leading stem in the first year. This will encourage side branches and a natural oval shape. As the tree grows in age, you can prune it each year in winter.
Cut branches at an angle using clean, sharp pruning shears. Remove weak or damaged branches, and cut between 1 and 2 feet from the height of all crown limbs. Be sure to remove trimmed branches from the immediate area. Pruned trees will come back stronger and produce more blooms with each successive year. Buy the time your Kieffer Pear Tree is 4 or 5 years old, the yields of fruit will have increased to a reliably heavy crop.
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