Pear Trees

All Types of Pear Trees for Sale at Nature Hills Nursery

Like roses, people love pears. Since the time of the Roman Empire, there has been an overall increase in the sheer number of pear tree cultivars. Today, you’ll find more than 1500 types of pear trees, with several for sale right here at Nature Hills Nursery.

Wild pear trees (Pyrus) were originally grown and bred in both Europe and Asia. Ancient farmers looked for specimens that had larger, sweeter fruit and bred these parent plants over time.

Romans were likely working with about 50 pear species of improved pears. In 1860, American author T.W. Fields noted there were about 850 known pears.

These days? People still crave a luscious pear after an outdoor dinner spent with family and friends under the stars.

Nature Hills Nursery sells well-developed, commercial orchard-grade plant material across the continental United States. You’ll find all types of pear trees in our lineup, including the best Asian pear tree varieties. If you want pear trees, get them from us.

Modern pear trees are hardy, disease-resistant and produce mouth-watering fruit.

The Difference Between the European Pear and Asian Pear?

There are two main varieties of pears, namely the European and the Asian. Pears are some of the easiest fruit trees to grow.

European pears have that characteristic narrow neck. European pears are softer fruit with a nuanced flavor.

Asian pears are round like apples. They are large, crisp, crunchy and loaded with juice.

Both types require a different harvesting technique. There are also differences in storage, cooking and usage.

Self-Pollinating Pear Trees and Bloom Times

A happy pear tree can live up to 100 years. While you’ll find a variety of self-pollinating pear trees, a pollination partner that blooms at the same time gives you the largest harvests.

Choose two European Pears or two Asian pears. Asian Pears bloom earlier in spring than European.

European pears and Asian pears usually won't cross-pollinate with each other. That is, unless you happen to have late-blooming Asian cultivar and early-blooming European pear trees.

All Asian pear cultivars should be considered self-incompatible, which means you need to plant another Asian pear cultivar as a companion for pollination purposes to produce more fruit.

Some European varieties — like Bartlett Pear — fall into the self-pollinating pear trees category. Plant another compatible Bartlett hybrid nearby to help with pollination, and both trees will produce more fruit.

Asian Pears: Large, Round, Juicy ‘Water Apples’

The Asian pear is also known as the apple pear because of the firm crisp fruit. Shaped and sized a bit more like an apple, an Asian pear snaps and crunches when you bite into it.

These pears can be very large. Thin your fruit tree during the growing season to keep one piece of fruit per fruiting spur.

Pick Asian pears when they are ripe and the skin develops a tawny russet color. Check the fruit regularly as the season progresses.

Cup the fruit in your hand to lift it up and give it a slight twist. When Asian pears are ripe, they'll pull away cleanly from the tree.

In Asia, these generous pears are often presented as gifts to be shared at family dinners. Skin and slice them to present a shared plate at meals.

They are used to sweeten meat sauces and make excellent tenderizers for marinating sauces. You’ll also love them as fresh snacks.

Juicy Asian pears are great for dieters. One thick, heavy piece of fruit makes a satisfying breakfast or lunch.

Juicy Asian pear fruits are excellent when picked fresh from the tree. Pears can be stored a long time in the mature state.

Use care when cold storing them. Wrap in foam sleeves or newspaper to protect them from bruising.

Best Asian Pear Tree Varieties at Nature Hills Nursery

What are the best Asian pear tree varieties?

• Hosui pears taste incredible
• Shinseiki pears are productive and delicious
• Chojuro pears have a kiss of butterscotch flavor

In truth, the best variety is one we have in stock. No one should miss out on the productivity or nutrition of easy-to-grow Asian Pear trees.

These flowering pear trees also offer a cloud of white blooms in early spring. The large leaves turn a beautiful fall color, depending on the cultivar.

Grow Gourmet European Pear Varieties at Home

Epicurean European pears offer delectable taste experiences, too. Seckel Pear produces very sweet, small pears that are used in canning.

Comice and D’Anjou pears are both a staple in high-end food gift packages. They offer a desirable flavor for fresh eating, baking, canning and preserving.

Pick European pears when they are still a bit firm. European pears should be picked when the fruit matures, but before they are ripe.

Watch for their skin to take on a beautiful blush. Mature fruit will also start dropping from the tree.

Pick your pears by lifting up and twisting. Bring them indoors to fully ripen on covered trays in a warm, dry area.

Care Tips for All Types of Pear Trees

Pear trees are fast-growing and usually begin to bear fruit within three to five years after planting. Choose the largest container size we have in stock; these are older trees and give you a jump start on harvest.

Like Apples, Pears are usually sold as grafted trees and require similar pruning and training. 

Get #ProPlantTips for Pruning Fruit Trees >>

Pears can be grown in high-density plantings for limited space landscapes. Pears are a great choice for Espalier pruning flat and tying to fences or scaffolds >>

Pear trees are attractive trees with their glossy, dark green foliage. They also provide delicious fruit. Pear leaves are simple, finely toothed, and glossy green in color.

Plant your pear trees in full sun with good air circulation to protect against pests and disease. Well-drained soil is important, but this can be improved with raised beds or planting mounds.

Dig your hole twice as wide as the root ball, but no deeper. Fruit trees should be planted at the same level they grew at our nursery.

Nature Hills Root Booster is an important symbiotic formula that helps your trees thrive. It never wears out and is best used during planting.

Tap your tree out of its nursery pot, or soak the root system of bare root trees in water for several hours before placing them in the hole. Firm the backfill soil up around the roots.

Soak newly planted trees well to eliminate air pockets at the root zone. Mulch up to three inches deep, but pull the mulch away from the trunk.

Fertilize using a fruiting tree formula. Always follow directions on the label for best results.

Pear Trees for Healthy, Homegrown Fruit

Great-tasting pears are rich in dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals. They are excellent for eating out of hand and in salads.

You might try your hand at grilling them with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a delicious sweet and sour side dish. Pears can be sauced and prepped for kid-friendly homemade fruit leather, too.

Pears do not contain cholesterol or fat, and they are low in calories. Pears are an excellent source of potassium and calcium.

Pears also make excellent homemade baby food. How nice to know exactly how your fruit was grown and what sprays were used.

Catch the hottest new gardening trend. Plant a pair of Pear trees in your yard for a fun landscape everyone in the family will enjoy. Don’t hesitate to order your pear tree if you see the one you want in stock. Our fruit trees sell out quickly and you don’t want to miss out. We’ll reserve your selection to ship when the time is right for planting in your area.

Check out the types of pear trees for sale at Nature Hills Nursery and place your order today.