How Long Does it Take for a Pear Tree to Produce Fruit?
Transplant pear trees in late winter while they are still dormant. For flower buds to develop, pear trees require dormancy and a period of winter chill. Climate, soil fertility, pruning and the location of pear tree plantings are also factors in blooming and fruit set.
Age at Planting
Expect a newly planted pear tree to bear fruit four to six years after planting. A 1-year-old nursery whip must develop lateral branches before it bears fruit. A 2- to 3-year-old potted tree should bear fruit three to four years after transplanting.
Tree Type
Dwarf trees generally bear fruit earlier than standard-size trees. If you plant a two-year-old dwarf pear tree in a container to use as a patio plant, it may bear fruit in two to three years. Standard-sized trees grafted to Old Home rootstock may take up to eight years to fruit after transplanting.
Pollination
Although some pear varieties are self-fertile, most pears must have a different variety planted nearby for proper pollination and ample fruit set. No matter how old the trees are, Bartlett and Seckel varieties will not pollinate each other, and Magness is not a good pollinating variety.
- Expect a newly planted pear tree to bear fruit four to six years after planting.
- Standard-sized trees grafted to Old Home rootstock may take up to eight years to fruit after transplanting.
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Writer Bio
Fern Fischer's print and online work has appeared in publications such as Midwest Gardening, Dolls, Workbasket, Quilts for Today and Cooking Fresh. With a broader focus on organic gardening, health, rural lifestyle, home and family articles, she specializes in topics involving antique and modern quilting, sewing and needlework techniques.