How to Grow Pears in February: Tips, Advice, and the Best Varieties

How to Grow Pears in February: Tips, Advice, and the Best Varieties

Pears are a delicious and versatile fruit, prized for their sweet flavor and delicate texture. Whether eaten fresh, poached, or used in desserts, pears are a fantastic addition to any home orchard. February is an ideal time to plant bare-root pear trees, prune existing trees, and prepare for a successful growing season.

This guide provides everything you need to know about growing pears in February, including the best varieties, planting methods, care tips, and harvesting advice.

Introduction: Why Grow Pears in February?

February is a critical month for pear tree care. The trees are dormant, making it the perfect time for planting bare-root trees, pruning, and ensuring your tree is set up for a productive growing season. Starting early ensures that your pear tree will establish strong roots and deliver a healthy harvest when autumn arrives.

Pears are a rewarding fruit to grow, offering beauty and bounty for years to come with proper care.

1. Choosing the Best Pear Varieties

There are many pear varieties to choose from, ranging from dessert pears to cooking pears. Selecting the right variety depends on your climate, taste preferences, and intended use.

1.1 Dessert Pears

‘Conference’: A popular variety with sweet, juicy fruit and excellent storage qualities.
‘Comice’: Known for its rich, buttery flavor, perfect for fresh eating.

1.2 Cooking Pears

‘Bosc’: A versatile pear ideal for poaching, baking, and preserving.
‘Beurre Hardy’: A classic French variety with firm, flavorful fruit.

1.3 Dual-Purpose Pears

‘Doyenne du Comice’: A dual-purpose pear with a sweet flavor and smooth texture, great for eating fresh or cooking.
‘Concorde’: Combines the sweetness of ‘Conference’ and the flavor of ‘Comice.’

1.4 Asian Pears

‘Shinseiki’: Crisp, juicy fruit with a mild, sweet flavor.
‘Nijisseiki’: A popular variety with golden-yellow skin and a refreshing taste.

2. Planting Pear Trees in February

2.1 Bare-Root Trees

Planting bare-root pear trees in February gives them time to establish roots before the growing season.

How to Plant:
1. Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil.
2. Dig a hole twice as wide and deep as the root ball.
3. Place the tree in the hole, ensuring the graft union (the swollen area above the roots) is above the soil line.
4. Backfill the hole with soil, firming it gently around the roots.
5. Water thoroughly and stake the tree for support.

2.2 Container-Grown Trees

If planting in a container, use a pot at least 18 inches wide and deep, filled with a mix of loamy soil and compost.

3. Pruning Pear Trees in February

Pruning is essential for shaping pear trees, removing deadwood, and encouraging fruit production.

3.1 Pruning Tips

Remove any dead, diseased, or crossing branches.
Thin out overcrowded areas to allow sunlight to reach the center of the tree.
For young trees, train them to a central leader or open-center shape, depending on the variety.
Use sharp, clean pruning tools and make cuts just above outward-facing buds.

3.2 Managing Established Trees

For established pear trees, focus on maintaining an open structure and removing old, unproductive branches.

4. Caring for Pear Trees

4.1 Watering

Water newly planted trees regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Mature pear trees usually need less watering, except during prolonged dry periods.

4.2 Feeding

Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring to support healthy growth and fruit production.
Avoid over-fertilizing, as excessive nitrogen can lead to poor fruiting.

4.3 Mulching

Add a 2–3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the tree to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Keep mulch a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot.

4.4 Pollination

Most pear varieties require cross-pollination. Plant at least two compatible varieties nearby or ensure access to pollinators like bees.
Some self-fertile varieties, like ‘Conference,’ can produce fruit without a pollination partner, but they perform better with one.

5. Protecting Pear Trees from Pests and Diseases

5.1 Common Pests

Pear Psylla: Control with horticultural oil during the dormant season.
Codling Moth: Use pheromone traps to monitor and reduce infestations.

5.2 Common Diseases

Fire Blight: Prune infected branches and disinfect tools between cuts.
Pear Scab: Remove fallen leaves and use resistant varieties.

6. Harvesting Pears

6.1 When to Harvest

Pears are typically ready to harvest in late summer or autumn, depending on the variety.
Unlike apples, pears are best picked when slightly under-ripe and allowed to ripen off the tree.

6.2 How to Harvest

Check if the pear separates easily from the tree when lifted and twisted gently.
Avoid pulling or forcing fruit off the branch.

6.3 Storing Pears

Store pears in a cool, dark place with good ventilation.
For longer storage, refrigerate pears, but allow them to ripen at room temperature before eating.

7. Benefits of Growing Pears

Delicious Flavor: Homegrown pears taste far superior to store-bought ones.
Nutritional Value: High in fiber, vitamins C and K, and antioxidants.
Long-Lived Trees: Pear trees can produce fruit for decades with proper care.
Eco-Friendly: Supports local pollinators and reduces reliance on store-bought fruit.
Versatility: Pears can be eaten fresh, poached, baked, or preserved.

Conclusion: Start Growing Pears for a Sweet and Abundant Harvest

Growing pears in February is an excellent way to prepare for a productive fruiting season. By planting bare-root trees, pruning existing ones, and ensuring proper care, you’ll set your pear trees up for success. With the right variety and maintenance, your pear tree will provide delicious fruit and enhance your garden for years to come.

Happy gardening! 🍐