Pear

Growing

When planting your pear tree, choose a location with full or partial sun and well-drained soil. Because these trees are usually grown from grafts, plant them where they will stay long term. Include a second pear plant nearby for pollination, as these trees need a partner to produce fruit. The trees are hardy enough to survive a hard freeze, but they require a period of winter chilling to trigger fruit production.

Watch the foliage during the growing season, as certain caterpillars can feed on the leaves. Do not wait for the fruit to become soft on the branch; harvest the pears once they have reached maturity but before they are fully ripe. Picking at this stage prevents bruising and lets you control the ripening process. If you keep the fruit in a cold environment, it can undergo bletting to reach full ripeness. You can eat the pears fresh, cooked in desserts, or paired with meats. Store the fruit unwashed in a cool, dark cellar or the fridge. The seeds are toxic.