Pear Pyrus communis

A deciduous tree native to southeastern Europe and western Asia . Pears do need a certain amount of winter chill varying by variety. Pears are early bloomers in the spring sometimes subjecting them to damaging frosts. If this is a problem in your area it is best to plant them in areas where the cool air will drain away. Most varieties do well in with hot dry summers, but adequate moisture is required in fall when next years buds are forming. Pears have no cholesterol, no sodium, and no saturated fat. Pears are a good source of fiber, vitamin C, and potassium. What follows are descriptions of the selections we sell.

' Bartlett ' - This is the most popular pear. Large fruit has thin, waxy skin that turns yellow as it ripens. Flesh is sweet, juicy and white in color. Tree seems to be self-fertile in western arid climates, elsewhere 'Bosc' or 'Burre D'Anjou' should be used as pollinators. This selection ripens in August. Tree needs approximately 700-800 chill hours. semi-dwarf and standard

'Bosc' - This selection produces medium to large size, long necked fruit that has russeted skin. The skin of this selection does not change color as it ripens. Firm flesh is white in color with a very sweet taste. This self-fertile selection ripens in late August. Tree needs approximately 700-800 chill hours. semi-dwarf and standard

'Burre D'Anjou' - This tree produces large fruit that has a short neck and skin that is green with a yellow blush. The skin of this selection does not change color as it ripens. White flesh is creamy in texture, sweet and juicy. Tree is self-fertile, but where reliable production is desired ' Bartlett ' should be used as a pollinator. This variety ripens in October. Tree needs approximately 700-800 chill hours. semi-dwarf and standard

'Comice' - This large to very large roundish pear has russeted light green skin with a red blush. Flesh is white colored fine textured, juicy, sweet, and rich. Most say this is the best tasting pear. Tree seems to be self-fertile in western arid climates, elsewhere ' Bartlett ' should be used as a pollinator. This selection ripens in late August. Tree needs approximately 400-600 chill hours. semi-dwarf and standard

'Flordahome' - This is a low chill selection of pear. Small to medium size fruit has light green colored, thin skin. Flesh is white, juicy, and fine textured. This partially self-fertile selection ripens in mid to late July. Tree needs approximately 300-400 chill hours. semi-dwarf and standard

'Keiffer' - This selection produces a medium to large size fruit that has greenish yellow skin with a red blush. White flesh is crisp, juicy and has a course texture. This tree tolerates extremes of temperature very well. This selection ripens in October to November. Tree needs approximately 350-400 chill hours. standard

'Max Red Bartlett ' - This is a medium size fruit that has dark yellow colored skin with a reddish hue that deepens when ripe. Flesh is sweet and white in color. Tree is self-fertile, but where reliable production is desired any pollinator except for ' Bartlett ' should be used. This selection ripens in late August to September. Semi-dwarf and standard

'Sugar' - The low chill requirements of this selection make it suitable for warmer climates. Very small, round fruit with grainy, yellow brown skin. Flesh is white, very sweet and aromatic. This self-fertile selection ripens in August. Tree needs approximately 300-400 chill hours. semi-dwarf and standard