How to Grow Pear

A cool-season fruit for the home garden across the warmer US.

Pear is a rewarding cool-season crop for backyard growers.

When to plant

Pear is a cool-season crop. In the South and Southwest, plant in fall through winter when the heat eases. See your region on the pear page for exact timing.

Varieties

• Pineapple, Fire-blight-resistant Southern pear (Southern nurseries)
• Hood, Low-chill, early (Southern nurseries)

How to grow it

• Sun & soil: full sun, rich well-drained soil with even moisture.
• Spacing: about 400 cm (157 in) between plants.
• Sowing: sow about 30 cm deep.
• Water: roughly 15 L per plant every 3 days in hot weather.

Pests & problems

Watch for Codling moth, Pear and cherry slug, Scale and Birds. In humid regions, Fire blight, Pear scab and Black spot can appear, so space for airflow and water at the roots in the morning.

Harvest

Pear is usually ready to harvest within roughly 12 months once established. Pick regularly to keep plants productive.

When to plant in your region

Pick your region to see exactly when to plant pear where you garden.

See also: Pear in the plant library →

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