Grow Pears in Zone 6

Pears are not typically the first fruit we think of when we think about starting an orchard. Its apples. But let me tell you something. Pears are easier to grow.

Pears are pretty hardy and have fewer diseases and pests than many other tree fruits.

Types of Pears

There are two main types of pears. European pears are that classic pear shape. Asian pears are more rounded like an apple. We grow both in the zone 6.

European pears, also known as Pyrus communis, are the most common variety found in the United States. They have a classic pear shape with a rounded bottom and elongated neck. European pears have a sweet flavor and a buttery texture when ripe.

Asian pears, on the other hand, have a round shape more similar to that of an apple. Also known as Pyrus pyrifolia, Asian pears have a crunchy and juicy texture with a sweet and crisp taste. They are often referred to as apple pears due to their shape and texture resembling a mix between an apple and a pear.

Best Pear Varieties for Zone 6

Some of the best pear varieties for Zone 6 include:

European Pears

1. Bartlett: A classic for a reason! Very vigorous and easy-to-grow tree. Known for its juicy and sweet flavor, Bartlett pears are a popular choice for fresh eating as well as canning. Ripens late August. Susceptible to fireblight. Excellent pollinator.

2. Bosc: Large vigorous tree that is very productive. Bears annually. With a distinct russeted skin and crisp flesh, Bosc pears are excellent for baking or eating fresh.

3. Keiffer: My favorite! Crunchy juicy fruit. Very hardy, resistant to fireblight. Does well in urban gardens. Does well in warmer Zone 6 and 7 climates because it only needs 400 chill hours. Harvest late September.

4. Seckel: Reliable variety for home orchards. Scab and fireblight resistant. Seckel pears are small and sweet. Great desert pear, perfect for cooking and processing. Ripens late September.

5. Vicar of Winkfield: French Heirloom. Excellent keeper. Slightly astringent, tastes good fresh, and does well in storage.

Asian Pears

Here are some recommended Asian pear varieties that thrive in Zone 6 climates:

1. Shinseiki: This variety is known for its crisp texture and sweet, juicy flavor. It does well in Zone 6 and is resistant to fire blight.

2. Chojuro: A popular Japanese variety, Chojuro has bronze skin and sweet, grainy flesh. Excellent keeper. It is cold-hardy and performs well in Zone 6 conditions. Ripens late August.

3. Hosui: My favorite! Hosui pears have a golden-brown skin and a refreshing, mild flavor. Good in our hot humid summers. Ripens in late August. This variety is fire-blight-resistant and suitable for Zone 6 gardens.

Coming Soon - Growing Perennial Fruits, Nuts,

and Vegetables in Zone 6.

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Pollination

When purchasing pears pollination requirements are important. This can get a little tricky especially if you have a small orchard.

European and Asian pears can cross-pollinate however their bloom time doesn't always overlap. So you need to find two or more varieties that have overlapping bloom times.

Fortunately, many cultivars like Bartlett and Keifer have long bloom times and are good pollinators for all pears.

Pears are sometimes promoted as self-fertile but you really need a second one for fertilization and better yields.

Pears are pollinated by insects so make sure to be pollinator friendly. Use organic products and spray trees early or late in the day.

Plant your trees on a north or east facing slope to protect spring blossums.

Planting

Location

If possible planting pears on a north or east slope will benefit the trees in spring. On a south slope, your trees may flower too early and get caught in a late frost. A slope is beneficial because it gives you better water drainage and air movement.

Like other fruit trees, you can choose between dwarf, semi, dwarf, and standard trees. Some varieties may not be available in all sizes but most of us will be planting semi-dwarfs for a home orchard. If you have a very small yard you will want dwarfs.

Soil Preparation

Preparing your soil is important. Take a soil sample and have it tested. Pears like a pH of around 5.9 - 6.5.

Ame’s Secret Sauce For Planting Fruit

I've shared this before in my other fruit videos. But it's really important to get the tree off to a good start. Put all the ingredients in a wheelbarrow and mix well. Then add back in when planting your tree.

Dig a large hole to give the roots plenty of room and make my Secret Sauce to plant them in!

If you are looking for a good place to buy trees I highly recommend Fedco. I'm not an affiliate, I just like their plants and the fabulous customer service.

Pests and Diseases

Fire blight can be an issue for pears especially if they are near susceptible apple varieties. Purchase resistant varieties. For Zone 6 friends, I found Keifer to be resistant to fire blight even when it was near an apple tree that had it. For disease-resistant Asian pears, my choice is Hosui.

I have a video on managing pests and diseases in the orchard.

Pests

1. Pear Psylla (Cacopsylla pyricola): These small insects feed on pear tree sap, causing damage to leaves and shoots. Use dormant oil spray before leaves emerge in the springtime.

2. Codling Moth (Cydia pomonella): The larvae of these moths can tunnel into pears, leading to fruit damage and potential infections. You will notice frass (sawdust-like excrement) on the outside of the fruits. There are 2 - 3 generations every season. Removing infested fruits and spray with Spinosad.

3. Pear Sawfly (Caliroa cerasi): The larvae of this sawfly can defoliate pear trees if left unchecked. They also bore into the fruitlets causing premature fruit drop. Use Neem or Horticultural oil.

Diseases:

1. Fire Blight (Erwinia amylovora): A bacterial disease that causes wilting and blackening of blossoms, shoots, and branches. The bacterium overwinters in cankers that it forms on branches and trunks. You can prune out these branches and destroy them. If you burn keep the fire away from the orchard.

2. Pear Scab (Venturia pyrina): A fungal disease that leads to dark, scab-like lesions on leaves and fruit.

3. Powdery Mildew (Podosphaera leucotricha): A fungal infection that manifests as white powdery spots on the leaves, affecting photosynthesis. Plant in an area with good air circulation, keep a clean orchard, use drip irrigation, and encourage beneficial insects. Prune out diseased leaves. Spray with Neem oil.

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Harvest

European and Asian pears are harvested differently. Typically European pears are harvested on the firm side and given a few days to ripen on the shelf. This makes them sweeten up.

Asian pears are allowed to ripen fully on the tree. They can be picked and eaten immediately.

Summer-producing pears don't have a great shelf life. They will last 7 - 10 days in the fridge.

Pears that ripen early fall are often called winter pears because they store better. Anjou pears are good pears to grow for a storage variety. They will get sweeter in storage.

Storing Pears

You can store pears in a root cellar for 2 - 3 months. Keep the temperature between 32 and 40°F and the humidity between 80 and 90%.

Ways To Use Pears

There are some surprisingly fun ways to prepare pears. Like putting them on a chocolate pie. Or cooking them in red wine for a little zing. And of course, pear jam and pear butter are always big hits.

Here are some more great ideas for using pears.

Ways to Use Pears in Cooking

1. Pear and Blue Cheese Salad: Slice pears thinly and toss them with mixed greens, toasted walnuts, and crumbled blue cheese. Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette for a delicious salad.

2. Roasted Pears: Halve pears, remove the core, and place them in a baking dish. Drizzle with honey, sprinkle with cinnamon, and roast until tender. Serve as a side dish or dessert.

3. Pear and Ginger Smoothie: Blend ripe pears with fresh ginger, yogurt, honey, and a splash of almond milk for a refreshing and nutritious smoothie.

4. Pear and Prosciutto Crostini: Top slices of baguette with goat cheese, thinly sliced pears, and prosciutto. Broil until the cheese is melted and bubbly for an elegant appetizer.

5. Pear Sauce: Peel and chop pears, then simmer with a bit of water, sugar, and cinnamon until soft. Puree for a delicious alternative to applesauce.

6. Pear and Gorgonzola Pizza: Spread pizza dough with fig jam, top with sliced pears, crumbled gorgonzola cheese, and arugula. Bake until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.

7. Pear Chutney: Cook diced pears with onions, ginger, vinegar, sugar, and spices until thickened. Serve with grilled meats or cheese boards for a flavorful accompaniment.

8. Pear and Cranberry Crisp: Toss sliced pears with fresh or dried cranberries, sugar, and a touch of lemon juice. Top with a crumbly mixture of oats, flour, butter, and sugar, then bake until bubbly and golden brown.

Enjoy exploring these versatile ways to incorporate pears into your cooking repertoire!

Author, Ame Vanorio, is a Master Gardener, environmental educator, and founder of Fox Run EEC. Her favorite way to eat pears is in a salad with blue cheese! Visit her author page on Amazon.