12 Types of Pear Trees to Grow in Your Yard (2024)

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Shelby Vittek

Shelby Vittek has written about home organization, food, farming, and travel for 12 years. Her work has appeared in Food & Wine, The Kitchn, National Geographic, and more.

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Updated on 10/11/23

Reviewed by

Andrew Hughes

Reviewed byAndrew Hughes

Andrew Hughes is a certified arborist, member of the International Society of Arborists specializing in tree heal care, and reviews tree content on The Spruce's Gardening Review Board. He founded and runs Urban Loggers, LLC, a company offering residential tree services in the Midwest and Connecticut.

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12 Types of Pear Trees to Grow in Your Yard (3)

There are more than 3,000 types of pear trees in the world, but only a fraction of those are grown in the United States. That makes deciding which pear tree to plant in your yard easier. However, there are a few criteria to consider first.

Finding the best pear tree variety for your climate is crucial. Some are better suited for colder environments, while others can thrive in warmer climates. All pear trees require a certain number of "chill hours" every year, which refers to the total number of hours between 32 and 45 degrees Fahrenheit an area receives on average each winter. If you want your pear tree to produce fruit reliably, research the number of chill hours your area receives.

Here are 12 types of pear trees suitable to be grown in your yard.

01 of 12
Bartlett

Bartlett pears (also known as Williams pears) are the most popular commercial variety grown in the United States. They have a perfect pear shape and are crisp and aromatic. The Bartlett pear tree produces fragrant white flowers in the spring. They are self-pollinating but not drought-tolerant.
- Species: European pear (Pyrus communis)
- USDA Hardiness Zones:5-7
- Mature Size: 20 ft. tall, 20 ft. wide
- Light: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained, slightly acidic
- Chill hours:800
02 of 12
Baldwin

The Baldwin pear is a hybrid crossing between a European pear and an Asian pear tree. It produces fruits that are semi-hard and sweet, making them great for canning or desserts. Compared to other pear varieties, Baldwin requires fewer chill hours, making it a great choice for planting in warmer, southern regions.
To produce fruit, Baldwin pear trees require the presence of another variety of pear tree for cross-pollination. Good companion pears include Hood, Kieffer, or Bartlett.
- Species: Hybrid (Pyrus communis x Pyrus pyrifolia)
- USDA Hardiness Zones:5-9
- Mature Size: 20-30 ft. tall, 10-20 ft. wide
- Light: Partial to full sun
- Soil: Well-drained, sandy, clay, or loam
- Chill hours:150
03 of 12
Kieffer
The Kieffer pear tree is named after the farm of Peter Kieffer in colonial Philadelphia, where it originated. It's believed to have started from an accidental crossing and is now one of the most widely planted pears in the South.
Kieffer is a fast-growing hardy pear tree that tolerates heat, and is disease-resistant. The large, long, golden yellow fruit it produces is good for canning, baking, and making preserves. It will self-pollinate but provides a more abundant crop when planted in multiples.
- Species: Hybrid (Pyrus communis x Pyrus pyrifolia)
- USDA Hardiness Zones:4-9
- Mature Size: 12-20 ft. tall, 10-20 ft. wide
- Light: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained, acidic
- Chill hours:350-400
04 of 12
Hood

It takes four to seven years for a Hood pear tree to bear fruit, but once it does, you'll be rewarded with a bounty of greenish-yellow pears that are crisp, sweet, and great for eating fresh or canning. Hood pear trees are a great option for planting in warmer climates, as they have low chill hour requirements.
See Also
How to Grow Pears: The Complete Guide
- Species: European pear (Pyrus communis)
- USDA Hardiness Zones:7-9
- Mature Size: 15-20 ft. tall, 12-15 ft. wide
- Light: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained, moist, sandy
- Chill hours:100-200
Continue to 5 of 12 below
05 of 12
Pineapple
The Pineapple pear tree lives up to its name, producing large yellow pears that have a distinctive pineapple taste. These pears are good for eating, baking, and canning. It is self-pollinating and resistant to fire blight, a common and destructive disease that affects apple, pear, and quince trees.
- Species: European pear (Pyrus communis)
- USDA Hardiness Zones:4-9
- Mature Size: 15-20 ft. tall, 12-15 ft. wide
- Light: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained, acidic, loamy
- Chill hours:150
06 of 12
Summercrisp
This cold-hardy pear tree variety was developed by the University of Minnesota and released in the 1980s. True to its name, the Summercrisp pear tree produces crisp fruit with a blush of red that are ripe and ready for a late-summer harvest. The fruit is best consumed fresh.
- Species: European pear (Pyrus communis)
- USDA Hardiness Zones:4-8
- Mature Size: 18-25 ft. tall, 10-15 ft. wide
- Light: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained
- Chill hours:700-800
07 of 12
Moonglow
The Moonglow pear tree, introduced in 1960, originates from Maryland. It produces big, bold, red-hued fruit—and plenty of them. The texture of Moonglow pears is soft without being too mushy, similar to Bartlett pears. It's resistant to fire blight.
- Species: European pear (Pyrus communis)
- USDA Hardiness Zones:5-8
- Mature Size: 18-20 ft. tall, 12-13 ft. wide
- Light: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained, moist, loam
- Chill hours:500
08 of 12
Shinko

Shinko Asian pear trees produce large fruits with brownish-green skin. They look more like an apple than a pear. These pears are rich, sweet, crunchy, and juicy. Unlike European pears, Asian pears can ripen on the tree. But it requires you to plant a different variety of Asian pear to act as a pollinator.
- Species: Asian pear (Pyrus pyrifolio)
- USDA Hardiness Zones:5-9
- Mature Size: 12-19 ft. tall, 6-8 ft. wide
- Light: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained
- Chill hours:450-500
Continue to 9 of 12 below
09 of 12
Shinseiki
It only takes Shinseiki Asian pear trees a year to fruit for the first time, and one that's five to seven years old can yield an annual harvest of 500 or more fruits. These pears are medium-sized and round, with thin, yellow skin and a sweet flavor.
While Shinseiki pear trees can tolerate cold winters, they thrive best in areas that don't experience temperatures below 10 degrees Fahrenheit. The Shinseiki pear tree is self-fertile, meaning you only need to plant one to enjoy years of fruits.
- Species: Asian pear (Pyrus pyrifolio)
- USDA Hardiness Zones:5-9
- Mature Size: 10-12 ft. tall, 12-15 ft. wide
- Light: Partial to full sun
- Soil: Well-drained
- Chill hours:250-450
10 of 12
Flordahome
This Florida-friendly pear tree (hence its name) produces large, semi-heard pears that are green, sweet, and slightly tart. Flordahome pear trees are resistant to fire blight and leaf spot. They thrive in warmer climates.
- Species: European pear (Pyrus communis)
- USDA Hardiness Zones:7-9
- Mature Size: 15-20 ft. tall, 12-15 ft. wide
- Light: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained
- Chill hours:150-250
11 of 12
Seckel

The Seckel pear tree dates back to the 1700s, when it was first found around the Philadelphia area. It produces small, super-sweet dessert pears that are often used in baking and canning.
The tree is resistant to fire blight and requires another variety of pear tree for cross-pollination. Good companion pears include the Moonglow and Shinko.
- Species: European pear (Pyrus communis)
- USDA Hardiness Zones:5-8
- Mature Size: 18-20 ft. tall, 12-13 ft. wide
- Light: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained, loamy
- Chill hours:500-800
12 of 12
Comice

This hardy, dependable pear tree grows well across the United States. Comice pears are light green with a patch of crimson on one side. These sweet, creamy pears are often referred to as Christmas pears because they are frequently included in holiday gift baskets.
- Species: European pear (Pyrus communis)
- USDA Hardiness Zones:5-9
- Mature Size: 12-18 ft. tall, 12-18 ft. wide
- Light: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained, loamy
- Chill hours:500-600

Bradford Pear Tree Problems: Bans, Smells, and Future Fate

12 Types of Pear Trees to Grow in Your Yard (2024)

FAQs

What is the easiest pear tree to grow? ›

We recommended the Asian pear. It is the easiest tree fruit to grow. Asian pears will often have fruit the first year. Two good varieties are 20th Century, which is yellow and self-pollinating, and Hosui, a golden brown pear with excellent flavor.

How many years does it take for a pear tree to produce fruit? ›

Pear trees require full sun to produce the most fruit. Prune annually to keep the tree healthy, productive and looking its best. It can take 3 to 10 years for trees to begin flowering and producing fruit. Mature pear trees are large and produce a lot of fruit in a short window of time.

Keep Reading ›

What is the most delicious pear tree? ›

The Bartlett pear tree is a classic. It produces large, yellow pears with a sweet flavor and an intense aroma. This variety of pear tree also has a longer harvest season than many other pear trees; you can enjoy these delicious fruits from late July through September.

Read On ›

What is the sweetest pear to grow? ›

Comice. Comice pears were originally cultivated in France. They're known as the sweetest pear variety, and are often the variety shipped in gift boxes. Because of this, they're sometimes given the nickname “the Christmas pear.” Comice pears have light green skin with a blush of pinkish red.

Read On ›

Do you need 2 pear trees to grow? ›

You have to plant at least two varieties of pear trees, to ensure cross-pollination and fruit production. The trees should be spaced 15-20 feet apart when planted. Lastly, make sure the varieties you choose are compatible with each other.

Discover More ›

What pear trees do not need a pollinator? ›

Certain varieties are self-fruitful; that is, they can pollinate themselves. If you want only one pear tree, select a self-pollinating variety. Orient, Baldwin, Kieffer and Spalding are at least partially self-fruitful. Other pear varieties require cross-pollination.

When should you plant a pear tree? ›

Late winter and early spring are the best times to plant pear trees. Plant them in a spot with full sun, good air circulation and well-drained soil. Pear trees prefer deep, fertile soil. They don't do well in sandy soils.

Get More Info Here ›

Can a apple tree pollinate a pear tree? ›

In general terms each species can only pollinate others of its own kind - apples will only pollinate other apples, pears will only pollinate pears, and so on. Amongst apples there is generally no distinction between crab apples, cider apples, and mainstream apples - they can all potentially cross-pollinate each other.

Read The Full Story ›

What is the lifespan of a pear tree? ›

With optimal conditions, wild pear trees can live upwards of 50 years. Among cultivated pears, however, this is rarely the case. Often orchards will replace a pear tree before the end of its natural lifespan when fruit production slows.

Discover More Details ›

Are pear trees high maintenance? ›

Pear trees are a low-maintenance fruit tree, so they don't require much from you in order to thrive: Water.

What is the name of the pear tree that doesn't bear fruit? ›

The Bradford pear was considered to be sterile so would not produce fruit. Bradford pear trees are self-incompatible, meaning two Bradford pear trees will not produce a viable fruit.

Know More ›

What is the best pollinator for pear trees? ›

Honey bees are the most important pollinators of pears, but they do not find the flowers very attractive. Pear flowers produce relatively large amounts of pollen but little nectar. The sugar concentration is low and hence not very attractive to bees. For this reason, pear pollination with honey bees can be difficult.

Know More ›

Which type of pear is healthiest? ›

Pears — particularly red varieties — may help decrease diabetes risk. One large older study in over 200,000 people found that eating five or more weekly servings of anthocyanin-rich fruits like red pears was associated with a 23% lower risk of type 2 diabetes ( 34 ).

View Details ›

What is the rarest type of pear? ›

Pyrus cordata, the Heart-leaved pear or Plymouth pear, is a rare wild species of pear belonging to the family Rosaceae. It gets its name in Spanish, Portuguese and French from the shape of its leaves.

Learn More ›

What is the best fruit tree to start with? ›

Many people consider pear trees to be the easiest fruit tree to grow on your own. Specifically, Asian pear tree varieties are well-known as the perfect fruit trees for beginners because of how simple they are to take care of and how much fruit they produce with little extra effort.

Read The Full Story ›

What is the best tasting pear? ›

Bartlett (or Williams) Pear: This is the perfect choice when you want a really, really juicy pear. Both red and green Bartletts are also among the sweetest pears you'll find. Bosc Pear: These pears are wonderfully crisp, with a delicate sweet flavor that resembles the stereotypical pear taste perfectly.

What pear tree does not bear fruit? ›

The Bradford pear was considered to be sterile so would not produce fruit. Bradford pear trees are self-incompatible, meaning two Bradford pear trees will not produce a viable fruit.

Get More Info Here ›

12 Types of Pear Trees to Grow in Your Yard (2024)

Bartlett

Baldwin

Kieffer

Hood

Pineapple

Summercrisp

Moonglow

Shinko

Shinseiki

Flordahome

Seckel

Comice

FAQs

What is the easiest pear tree to grow? ›

What is the name of the pear tree that doesn't bear fruit? ›