Edibles – Fruit – Pear Tree

Pear tree 

Botanical name: pyrus communis 

Beginner friendly?: yes 

Average size at maturity: can reach over 60 ft in height with a spread of up to 20 ft 

Hardy zone: zones 4-9 

Growth rate: grows 1-2 ft per year 

Foliage color: green, yellow, orange, red, brown 

Flower color: white 

Bloom time:  spring blooms, fruit for harvest in mid-summer 

Pruning instructions: Prune during winter dormancy to maintain desired shape and size 

Propagation methods: propagate by grafting during the winter-spring season 

Landscape use:  edible garden, pollinator garden, container plant, privacy plant, shade tree, herb garden

Special features: attracts pollinators, disease resistant, heat tolerant, cold hardy 

Light needs: at least 6 hours of sun per day 

Watering instructions: allow the top 2-4 inches of soil to dry out between watering sessions 

Fertilizing instructions : use a slow-release organic fertilizer one a year in the spring, feed with compost at the time of planting 

Best time to plant: spring, fall 

Best type of soil: loam, sand 

Companion plants: clover, daffodil, chamomile, sunflowers

Toxicity level: non-toxic for humans and pets 

Invasive species: yes