Seedlings

• Pear trees can be grown from seeds, but grafting is a much more successful and quicker route to actual pears. Some garden nurseries do start and nurture pear tree seedlings successfully, but most create pear trees by grafting a pear tree branch onto a fruit tree.
  Young pear trees can range from only a few inches high to larger (three feet or more). The smallest established pear trees (1 to 2 years old) will not bear fruit for up to four years after planting, so it's best to purchase the largest pear tree you can afford.
  
  

Phenological Stages of Pears

• In order for pears to grow, pollination must occur, which means pear trees must be planted in pairs for cross-pollination. The number of pears a tree will produce varies. Some years, a great many blooms will be pollinated, which will lead to many small pears.
  Pear trees blossom in early spring, usually in April. The blossoms appear before the leaves. Blossoms only last two or three weeks, then drop off to create room for new foliage growth and young pears.
  New pears are the size and shape of cherries, and grow in groups of two or three. It is a good idea to thin the pears when they look like small, slightly oblong green cherries, especially if there are a great many of them. Pruning encourages the remaining pears to grow larger. The pears will continue to grow throughout the spring and into early summer, when they are ready to be harvested.
  Pears should be picked when they reach a good size but are still firm to the touch, usually in late June or early July. They should appear light green in color and detach easily from the branch.
  According to USA Pears, the majority of pear orchards in America are located in Washington and Oregon, where the combination of a temperate climate and volcanic soil create the best conditions. The combined pear production of both states is over 650,000 tons each year.
  
  

Care of Pear Trees

• Pear trees grow best in full sun and in soil that is slightly acidic, with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 6.5. Pear trees will actually tolerate soggy soil better than many fruit trees, so drainage is not a huge factor when choosing where to plant your tree. Pear trees grow best when planted in the fall.
  Pear trees should also be pruned immediately after planting, if needed. They should be trained to have a central trunk leading straight up the tree and thinned so that lower branches have access to sunlight. Pear trees should have a rounded shape similar to apple trees.
  Insects can harm pear trees. If you notice damaged pears or branches, remove them as soon as possible, then treat the tree. In addition, remove any pear or branch that seems to be suffering from a fungus, such as black rot, which will show up as black spots on leaves and fruit. You can purchase treatments at your local garden center.