Top 20 Pear Varieties to Grow: Tips and Advice for a Successful Harvest

Pears are a delightful, sweet fruit that come in a variety of flavors, textures, and colors, making them a versatile choice for fresh eating, baking, canning, or drying. Pear trees are relatively easy to grow and can thrive in many different climates. Selecting the right pear variety is key to enjoying a successful and productive harvest. In this guide, we’ll explore the top 20 pear varieties to grow, along with tips for cultivating healthy and fruitful trees.

1. Bartlett (Williams Pear)

Bartlett is one of the most popular and widely grown pear varieties, known for its sweet, juicy flesh and buttery texture. It’s excellent for fresh eating, canning, and cooking.

Tip: Bartlett pears thrive in full sun and need well-drained soil. Regular pruning helps maintain tree size and improves fruiting.

2. Anjou (d’Anjou)

Anjou pears are known for their smooth, green skin and firm, sweet flesh. They’re ideal for fresh eating, cooking, and making preserves.

Tip: Plant Anjou pears in full sun and provide regular watering during dry spells. Prune annually to remove dead or weak branches.

3. Bosc

Bosc pears have a firm, dense texture and a sweet, spicy flavor. Their russeted skin makes them easily recognizable. They’re perfect for baking, poaching, and fresh eating.

Tip: Bosc pears need full sun and well-drained soil. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

4. Comice

Comice pears are often considered the sweetest of all pears, with a rich, creamy texture and delicate flavor. They’re ideal for fresh eating and pair well with cheese.

Tip: Comice pears require regular watering and full sun. Prune after harvest to maintain size and encourage healthy growth.

5. Concorde

Concorde pears are a cross between Conference and Comice, offering a sweet flavor and crisp, firm texture. They’re perfect for fresh eating and poaching.

Tip: Plant Concorde pears in full sun and water consistently during fruit development to keep the pears juicy.

6. Seckel

Seckel pears are small, sweet pears with a firm texture, often called “sugar pears.” They’re perfect for fresh eating, preserves, and pickling.

Tip: Seckel pear trees are compact and perfect for smaller gardens. Ensure they get full sun and regular watering for the best fruit quality.

7. Forelle

Forelle pears are small, with a beautiful red-speckled skin and a sweet, juicy flavor. They’re perfect for fresh eating and adding to salads.

Tip: Forelle pears thrive in full sun and need regular watering, especially during dry periods. Prune annually to maintain size.

8. Asian Pear (Nashi Pear)

Asian pears are known for their crisp, apple-like texture and sweet, juicy flavor. They’re perfect for fresh eating and adding to salads.

Tip: Asian pears need full sun and well-drained soil. Water regularly to keep the fruit juicy and crisp.

9. Red Bartlett

Red Bartlett pears are similar to traditional Bartletts but have a beautiful red skin. They’re sweet, juicy, and perfect for fresh eating or canning.

Tip: Plant Red Bartlett pears in full sun with regular watering during the growing season. Mulch to retain soil moisture.

10. Conference

Conference pears have a long, slender shape and greenish-yellow skin with sweet, juicy flesh. They’re great for fresh eating and cooking.

Tip: Conference pear trees need full sun and well-drained soil. Regular pruning encourages better air circulation and fruit production.

11. Taylor’s Gold

Taylor’s Gold is a russeted variety, closely related to Comice, with sweet, buttery flesh and a rich flavor. It’s excellent for fresh eating and poaching.

Tip: Taylor’s Gold pears need full sun and consistent watering during fruit development. Prune after harvest to maintain size and shape.

12. Flemish Beauty

Flemish Beauty pears are large, with a sweet flavor and smooth, firm flesh. They’re perfect for fresh eating, canning, and baking.

Tip: Plant Flemish Beauty pears in full sun and water regularly. Prune in winter to remove dead or overcrowded branches.

13. Starkrimson

Starkrimson pears have bright red skin and sweet, aromatic flesh. They’re ideal for fresh eating and make a stunning addition to fruit salads.

Tip: Plant Starkrimson pears in full sun and ensure consistent watering for the best fruit quality.

14. Moonglow

Moonglow pears are large and sweet, with smooth skin and a buttery texture. They’re excellent for fresh eating, canning, and cooking.

Tip: Moonglow pear trees need full sun and regular pruning to maintain size and shape. Water regularly during the growing season.

15. Clapp’s Favorite

Clapp’s Favorite is an early-season pear with juicy, sweet flesh and yellow-green skin. It’s perfect for fresh eating and making preserves.

Tip: Clapp’s Favorite pears need full sun and well-drained soil. Thin the fruit early in the season for larger pears.

16. Warren

Warren pears are known for their smooth, buttery flesh and sweet flavor. They’re perfect for fresh eating and making desserts.

Tip: Warren pears need full sun and consistent watering. Prune after fruiting to encourage healthy growth.

17. Harrow Sweet

Harrow Sweet is a cold-hardy variety that produces sweet, juicy fruit with smooth skin. It’s excellent for fresh eating and canning.

Tip: Harrow Sweet pear trees thrive in full sun and need regular pruning to maintain size and encourage fruiting.

18. Magness

Magness pears have soft, buttery flesh with a sweet, mild flavor. They’re perfect for fresh eating, baking, and making preserves.

Tip: Plant Magness pears in full sun with well-drained soil. Water regularly, especially during dry periods.

19. Kieffer

Kieffer pears are a hybrid variety with firm flesh and a slightly tart flavor. They’re great for canning, baking, and fresh eating.

Tip: Kieffer pears are hardy and can tolerate colder climates. They need full sun and regular watering for the best fruit quality.

20. Orcas

Orcas pears are large, with a sweet, juicy flavor and firm texture. They’re great for fresh eating, baking, and preserving.

Tip: Plant Orcas pears in full sun with regular watering. Prune annually to remove dead or weak branches.

Tips for Growing Pears Successfully

1. Full sun for best fruiting: Pear trees need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day to produce sweet, juicy fruit. Choose a sunny location for planting.
2. Well-drained soil: Pears prefer well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Avoid planting in areas prone to waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.
3. Water consistently: Water pear trees deeply once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions. Ensure consistent moisture, especially during fruit development.
4. Mulch to retain moisture: Apply mulch around the base of the tree to help retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and suppress weeds.
5. Fertilize in spring: Use a balanced fertilizer or compost in early spring to encourage strong growth and fruiting. Avoid over-fertilizing, as too much nitrogen can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of fruit.
6. Prune annually: Prune pear trees in late winter or early spring to remove dead or damaged wood and improve air circulation. This encourages new growth and better-quality fruit.
7. Thin the fruit: Thin the young fruit when it’s about the size of a marble. This allows the tree to focus its energy on producing fewer but larger and sweeter pears.
8. Pest control: Keep an eye out for common pests like aphids, pear psylla, and codling moths. Use organic or chemical treatments as necessary to protect your trees.

Common Questions and Answers

Q1: How long does it take for a pear tree to produce fruit?
Pear trees typically begin producing fruit 3 to 5 years after planting, with full yields by the 6th or 7th year.

Q2: When is the best time to plant pear trees?
The best time to plant pear trees is in early spring or late fall, while the tree is dormant. This gives the roots time to establish before the growing season.

Q3: How often should I water pear trees?
Water pear trees deeply once a week, more frequently during hot or dry weather. Keep the soil consistently moist, especially while the fruit is developing.

Q4: Can pear trees be grown in containers?
Yes, dwarf or compact pear varieties can be grown in large containers. Ensure the container has good drainage and water regularly.

Q5: How do I protect pear trees from pests?
Use organic or chemical treatments to control common pests like aphids, mites, and codling moths. Regular pruning helps improve air circulation and reduce the risk of pest infestations.