Pear Tree Planting Guide
Long-lived pome fruit tree usually planted as a grafted sapling; most varieties need a pollination partner
Best Time and Place to Plant Fruit Tree
In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 1 to April 1. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Plant Pear Tree in a spot with 8+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 40F to 70F, and enough room for 216 inches between plants and 216 inches between rows.
Planting Windows by Zone
| Zone | Spring | Fall |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | Not recommended to Not recommended | Varies |
| Zone 2 | Cold-hardy varieties only to Cold-hardy varieties only | Varies |
| Zone 3 | April 20 to May 20 | Varies |
| Zone 4 | April 10 to May 10 | September 15 to October 15 |
| Zone 5 | March 25 to April 25 | October 1 to November 1 |
| Zone 6 | March 15 to April 15 | October 10 to November 10 |
| Zone 7 | March 1 to April 1 | October 20 to November 30 |
| Zone 8 | February 15 to March 20 | November 1 to December 15 |
| Zone 9 | Low-chill varieties only to Low-chill varieties only | Varies |
| Zone 10 | Not recommended to Not recommended | Varies |
| Zone 11 | Not recommended to Not recommended | Varies |
| Zone 12 | Not recommended to Not recommended | Varies |
| Zone 13 | Not recommended to Not recommended | Varies |
Spacing and Care
- Planting depth: Plant a grafted bare-root or potted tree with the graft union above soil; stake only if needed and water deeply.
- Spacing: 216 inches apart, 216 inches between rows
- Soil temperature: 40F to 70F
- Sunlight: 8+ hours
- Watering: Water weekly during establishment and during dry spells while fruit is sizing
- Days to harvest: 130
Fertilization
- Compost organic: Top-dress around the drip line each spring
- Balanced fruit tree fertilizer synthetic: Apply only if annual growth is weak
- Mulch organic: Maintain 2-4 inches, pulled back from trunk
Companion Plants
- Chives
- Comfrey
- Clover
- Nasturtium
Avoid Planting Near
- Juniper
- Black Walnut
- Grass crowded against trunk
Harvest Signs
- Fruit lifts from the spur when tilted upward
- Ground color lightens but fruit is still firm
- Seeds are darkening
- Ripen indoors for best texture on European pears
FAQs
When should I plant Fruit Tree?
Fruit Tree planting depends on your USDA hardiness zone. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 1 to April 1. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
What is the best time of year to plant Fruit Tree?
The best time of year to plant Fruit Tree is when your zone planting window is open and soil temperatures are around 40F to 70F. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 1 to April 1. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Where is the best place to plant Fruit Tree?
Plant Pear Tree in a spot with 8+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 40F to 70F, and enough room for 216 inches between plants and 216 inches between rows.
How far apart should I plant Fruit Tree?
Plant Fruit Tree about 216 inches apart, with rows around 216 inches apart.
What grows well with Fruit Tree?
Fruit Tree is commonly paired with Chives, Comfrey, Clover, Nasturtium.