The Orient Pear Tree produces juicy, sweet, creamy-fleshed, round, yellow pears that are great for cooking, canning, baking, eating fresh, or for use in desserts and drinks. The trees grow to a size of 20 feet high and 15 to 20 feet wide. Orient Pear Trees are fast growing, and a healthy tree with ample sun and nutrition can easily grow up to 2 feet of height per year. They do best in full sun where the tree can get 6 hours or more of direct light per day.
Orient Pear Trees are suited to grow in the ground within USDA Zones 5 to 8. They prefer slightly acidic, well drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The Orient Pear Tree is sensitive to salt or salt-air, and as such is not the first choice for growing in coastal areas. However the Orient Pear Tree is able to tolerate short periods of drought and even brief flooding. This is a heavy bearer that delivers ripe fruit in late summer and early fall.
Orient Pear Trees require cross-pollination in order to produce a vibrant crop of pears. Bartlett Pear Trees, or other European varieties, make good pollinator companion trees for Orient Pears. They have a chill requirement (CU) of between 350 and 400 hours per winter season. This is the time that the average temperature is between 32 and 45 degrees F.
Plant Orient Pear Trees with at least 10 feet of room on all sides for the tree to grow. This also gives you enough room to prune, harvest, and maintain the tree throughout the year. Since Orient Pear Trees grow quickly, you may want to prune them to keep their size manageable. Prune Orient Pear Trees in late winter before blooms appear in spring. Use sharp, clean trimmers to cut between 10 inches and 2 feet of height from the branches. Be sure to also prune away dead branches.
Fruit & Harvesting
Orient Pear Trees bloom fragrant white blossoms in spring. The showy flowers attract bees and insects that pollinate the flowers. The sweet, juicy round Orient Pears are ready to pick between late August and early September. Harvested pears can be stored in a cool, dark pantry for up to 3 months. The fruit can also be canned, or peeled and frozen for future use in baking, smoothies, and other recipes.
To harvest Orient Pears, look for fruit that is fully rounded, bright or deep yellow, and about 3 to 4 inches across. Ripe Orient Pears will be filled with creamy pulp that exudes juice when cut or bitten into. The texture is slightly grainy but has a melting quality when eaten fresh. Pears tend to ripen in stages where fruit that gets the most sunlight tends to ripen first. Be sure to harvest any remaining pears at the end of the season so the tree gets a good start for the next year, and does not waste energy trying to maintain old fruit.
Growing Zones
Advice
Orient Pear Trees can be grown in a container if space is limited. But remember that Orient Pear Trees are fast growers and can reach heights of 20 feet. Potted Orient Pear Trees will remain smaller, but will do best when they are progressively re-potted into larger containers to allow the roots to grow. They can also be pruned to keep their size smaller.
Pots for growing Orient Pear Trees must have holes for drainage and be large enough to give the current root ball at least 3 inches of room on all sides. This allows the roots to expand and provide the tree with much needed nutrition. Fruit trees in containers also benefit from consistent fertilization. Fertilize your Orient Pear Trees with fruit tree fertilizer once in the spring and again in the summer. Always water fertilizer in well when applying.
FAQs
Are Orient Pear Trees affected by birds?
Like any fruit tree, Orient Pear Trees can be appealing food for birds and other wildlife. At the same time, Orient Pear Trees make great nesting habitat for birds. Since they grow such heavy yields, it is unlikely that even the hungriest of birds will damage all of your fruit in a season.
Do Orient Pear Trees drop their leaves in winter?
Yes, Orient Pear Trees have dark green leaves that turn deep red to rust colors in the fall, before shedding.
Where can you grow an Orient Pear Tree?
Orient Pear Trees can be grown outdoors in USDA Growing Zones 5 to 8. They need between 350 and 400 chill hours per winter season, and are sensitive to salt exposure.
Do Orient Pear Trees need to be pruned to grow fruit?
If left to grow without pruning, an Orient Pear Tree can still bloom and grow fruit. But pruned trees rebound in spring with more energy. The result is a healthier tree and more fruit when harvest time comes.
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