How to Grow Pear Trees

Planting, Care and Pollination

Pear trees are a graceful and rewarding addition to any garden or orchard, prized for their delicate spring blossoms and abundant, flavorful fruit. Belonging to the Rosaceae family, these deciduous trees have been cultivated for centuries across Europe, Asia, and beyond. Whether you choose a traditional European pear or a crisp, juicy Asian pear, each variety brings unique taste and texture to your table. Pear trees thrive in a range of climates, including the Pacific Northwest, where with proper care they can produce generous harvests year after year. Beyond their delicious fruit, pear trees add beauty and seasonal interest to your landscape, making them an excellent choice for both novice and experienced gardeners looking to combine ornamental charm with edible rewards.

Pear
Pear


What type should you get? 

Pears are a timeless fruit loved for their sweet, juicy flavour and smooth texture but did you know there are two distinct types commonly grown and enjoyed? At Arts Nursery, we proudly offer a curated selection of both Asian pears and European pears, each bringing something unique to the table (and the orchard!).

Asian Pears: Crisp, Juicy, and Refreshing

Also known as "apple pears," Asian pears are round, firm, and incredibly crisp, like biting into a sweet apple with pear flavour. They’re best enjoyed fresh and are often eaten right off the tree. These pears are:

  • Crunchy with a refreshing, juicy bite

  • Typically yellow to golden-brown in skin

  • Long-lasting when stored properly

  • Great for snacking, salads, and lunchboxes

Asian pear trees are excellent for home gardeners in the Pacific Northwest. They’re hardy, productive, and reliably produce early in the season.

European Pears: Classic, Sweet, and Silky

European pears are the traditional pear shape, elegant and elongated. They’re picked while firm and ripen off the tree into a soft, buttery texture. These pears are:

  • Sweet and fragrant with a melt-in-your-mouth texture

  • Often green, yellow, or russet in colour

  • Ideal for canning, baking, or enjoying fresh

  • Available in familiar varieties like ‘Bartlett’, ‘Bosc’, and ‘Anjou’

European pear trees grow well in our region and often reward patient growers with heavy crops and incredible flavour.

Which One is Right for You?

Why choose just one? Both pear types are easy to grow and offer a range of culinary uses — from crisp and refreshing to soft and sweet. If you have space in your garden, we recommend planting one of each to enjoy the best of both pear worlds! Whether you're starting a home orchard or just looking for the perfect fruit tree for your backyard, stop by and explore our current selection of Asian and European pears. Our team can help you pick the best variety for your space and taste preferences.

Planting & Location

Plant pear trees in full sun (6-8 hours daily) with moist, well-drained soil for best growth.
 

Fertilizing

At planting, add bone meal or Myke to the hole, or use liquid transplant fertilizer. For established trees, apply fruit tree fertilizer early spring before new growth.
 

Pruning

Prune in late winter or early spring while dormant. Remove dead or damaged wood, thin overcrowded branches for airflow, and maintain an open shape (central leader or vase). Control size carefully, avoiding excessive cuts that reduce fruit spurs. Pears fruit on spurs from older wood, so preserve them when pruning.
 

Care & Maintenance

Apply dormant oil and lime sulphur spray in late winter to reduce pests and diseases. Mulch 2-3 inches around the base in fall but keep mulch a few inches from the trunk to prevent rot.

Pollination

European pears require cross-pollination from another compatible variety blooming simultaneously. Common pollinators include Bartlett, Bosc, Anjou, and Comice. Bees transfer pollen, but bad weather can reduce pollination success. Hand pollination is possible if needed. Asian pears vary: some are self-fertile, but cross-pollination improves yield and quality. Plant compatible varieties with overlapping bloom times for best results. Popular varieties include Hosui, Shinseiki, and 20th Century. Encouraging pollinators by planting bee-friendly flowers and avoiding harmful pesticides helps improve fruit set.
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