Harrow Sweet European Pear Tree

The Harrow Sweet Pear Tree PP#9,863 (Pyrus communis 'Harrow Sweet') is a late-season, European-type dessert Pear developed in Ontario, Canada, bred for exceptional flavor, high yields, and strong disease resistance—especially to fire blight! This cultivar boasts fruit with buttery-smooth flesh, yellow-green skin with a red blush, and a sweet, floral flavor that rivals Bartlett but ripens several weeks later.

Fragrant white blooms cover the tree in spring, drawing in early pollinators, followed by fruit maturing in early fall, making it a standout among backyard orchardists. A compact, upright tree at maturity, it fills out in lush green foliage that holds strong through the growing season, turning golden yellow in autumn.

The fruit is medium to large, with a classic Pear shape and firm flesh that softens post-harvest. As it ripens off the tree, the sweetness deepens—perfect for fresh eating, canning, or drying!

It does need a pollination partner, so pair it with another European Pear like:

• Moonglow
• Bartlett
• Bosc

Resistant to fire blight (a notorious Pear problem), it is an ideal low-spray option for organic orchards or backyard or home gardens of any size.

>>Jump to Planting & Care Instructions

Key Features

• Extremely sweet, juicy, late-ripening European-type dessert Pear
• Fire blight-resistant and cold-hardy
• Fragrant white spring blooms

• Requires pollination from another European-type Pear

• Upright, compact form with strong central leader
• Medium-large yellow Pears with red blush
• Fruit stores well and ripens off-tree

Landscaping Uses

A compact fruiting tree reaching 12-15 feet tall and 8-12 feet wide, it is perfect for edible landscapes and backyard orchards.

• Great addition to home orchards and edible gardens
• Pair with other Pears for pollination and staggered harvests
• Beautiful spring ornamental with white blooms
• Use as a focal point or in small groupings
• Ideal for Espalier along fences or sunny walls
• Can be grown in large containers when grafted onto dwarf rootstock

Care and Maintenance

This Pear tree thrives in USDA growing zones 4-8 and is especially prized for its adaptability across a wide range of climates. Harrow Sweet hails from a long line of productive, hardy Pears and is closely related to Bartlett, but it's less susceptible to disease and stores longer.

This deciduous fruit tree is both hardy and productive, requiring a full sun location and regular watering during fruit development. It’s considered low-maintenance, thanks to its strong resistance to fire blight and reliable cropping.

• Planting Time: Spring or fall planting is ideal. Read how to plant yours here!
• Sun Needs: Full sun (6+ hours daily)
• Soil Needs: Well-drained loamy soils preferred; tolerates clay if well-drained
• Moisture Needs: Moderate; consistent watering during fruit development
  Arborist Mulch: 3-4 inches of bark or arborist mulch to insulate roots and retain moisture
• Fertilization Needs: Feed with a balanced fertilizer in early spring
• Pear Tree Pruning Info: Prune in late winter to maintain shape and open canopy; fruit forms on spurs (older wood)
• Renewal Pruning: Not typically needed, but thinning branches from the interior opens up the crown up for air circulation and sunlight penetration
• Special Needs/Perks/Growing Tips and Tricks for Success:
• Fire blight-resistant
• Cold-hardy and heat-tolerant
• Requires another European Pear for pollination
• Excellent storage life post-harvest
• Chill Hours: Approx. 800-1,000 chill hours
• Pollination Needs: Needs a compatible European Pear (Bartlett, Bosc, Comice) nearby for best fruit set

Sweeten The Orchard With Harrow!

Let the Harrow Sweet European Pear Tree sweeten your orchard with juicy flavor and a low-maintenance attitude. It’s tough on disease, generous in fruit, and fits beautifully into even small yards. With its late harvest window and smooth, buttery flesh, you’ll be savoring the rewards long into the season.

Buy now and Nature Hills will ship the Harrow and its pollination partner to your doorstep at the appropriate planting time for your growing zone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Harrow Sweet self-pollinating?
No, it needs another European Pear variety like Bartlett, Bosc, or Comice for pollination.

When does Harrow Sweet Pear ripen?
It ripens in mid to late fall, about 3-4 weeks after Bartlett.

How big does a Harrow Sweet Pear Tree get?
Standard trees grow about 12-15 feet tall, but smaller sizes are available on dwarfing rootstock.

Is Harrow Sweet resistant to fire blight?
Yes! It is known for its excellent resistance to fire blight.

Can Harrow Sweet grow in clay soil?
Yes, as long as it’s well-drained. Avoid waterlogged areas.

How do I store Harrow Sweet Pears?
Harvest Pears when they are mature but firm, then ripen your fruit off the tree. They store well in a cool, dry space.

Do I need to prune this tree often?
Annual late winter pruning helps maintain shape and improve fruit production. Thin fruit in early summer for size and quality.