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Pear Selection

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Pear recommendations made by Gretchen Merryweather, Sweetland Orchard, Webster, MN, during our 2023 Field Day, July 18, 2023.

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Recommended Pear Varieties (based on experience)
Pear Variety Type Origin Fireblight Resistant Zone Ripening Timeframe Comments
Dabney Dessert Tennessee Yes 4   Russeted, juicy melting.
Gourmet Dessert SDSU   4 Early September Grown on seedling for 20+ years. Higher acid pear.
Jung Dessert     4 Mid-September Grown on seedling for 20+ years. Gritty.
Luscious Dessert SDSU   4 Early September Grown on seedling for 20+ years. Bartlett-type, juicy and melting.
Nova Dessert     4 Early September Grown on seedling for 20+ years. Slight anise flavor.
Parker Dessert U of M   4 Early September Grown on seedling for 20+ years.
Patten Dessert Iowa   4 Early September Grown on seedling for 20+ years.
Sanguinole Dessert     4 Late August 4th-leaf. Red-fleshed.
Schroeder Hardy ND Dessert     4   3rd-year fruit, bears like crazy. Eating and canning.
Sucree de Montlucon Dessert     4 Late October 4th-leaf. Store 2-3 months.
Summercrisp Dessert     3 Mid-August Grown on seedling for 20+ years.
Barland Perry     4   4th-leaf.
Blakeney Red Perry     4   4th-leaf.
Thorn Perry     4   4th-leaf.
Yellow Huffcap Perry     4   My #1 recommended pear variety.

 

Theoretically Recommended Pear Varieties (based on research and anecdote)
Pear Variety Type Origin Fireblight Resistant Zone Ripening Timeframe Comments
Conference Dessert England, 1885 Yes 4 October Juicy. Melting.
Early Gold Dessert     3 Early to mid-August  
Ey Dessert       October Canning.
Golden Spice Dessert U of M   3 Mid-September Not recommended for flavor.
Highland Dessert 1944     Early October Bartleet x Comice. Smooth flesh, rich flavor.
Juicy Jewel Dessert U of M   4 August New release. Asian pear style.
Julienne Dessert     3 Mid-September Comparable to Bartlett. Self-fertile.
Kieffer Dessert Philadelphia, 1853 Yes   Late September Just planted in 2023. Bartlett x Chinese Sand Pear. Coarse-texture. Musky aroma. Juicy, crisp.
Krazulya Dessert     3 Mid-to-late August Flavorful. Juicy, buttery texture. Stores 1-2 weeks.
Loma Dessert     3 Late August Early, more acid than typical for pears, fresh eating.
Lorraine Dessert       Early September Sweet and balanced, higher acid than the typical pear.
Stacy Dessert       August Cooking, short shelf life.
Ure Dessert Manitoba, 1978   3 Mid-August Cross between the Siberian pear and the European (common) pear. Juicy. Thick skin. Small fruit. Doesn't store well.
Warren Dessert Mississippi, 1976 Yes   October Just planted in 2023. Very juicy. No grit.

Pear Rootstock Choices

  • OHF87, top recommendation for size (75% of seedling size) and precocity (earlier to bear)
  • OHF97, 100% of seedling size but more precocious
  • Seedling

Nurseries