There are three main types of pears, European summer, European winter, and Asian. European pears have a soft texture and ripen off the tree, while Asian pears are crisp and apple-like and ripen on the tree. European and Asian pears grow best in full sun with well drained soil, although they can tolerate more clayey and wet soil compared to other fruit trees. Pears, like most fruit trees benefit from annual fertilization. Planting in ideal conditions with yearly maintenance are a growers first preventative techniques for combating diseases but, depending on the variety, pears grown in the Willamette valley are more or less subject to fireblight, and pear scab and benefit from a pest management strategy.

Pears will grow to be large or small, it is all dependent on the rootstock they are grafted on to.

European Pear:

Dwarf- A dwarf pear tree will grow 8-10′ tall by 5-7′ wide. They are usually the earliest to mature and bear fruit, and typically produce 1-3 bushel a tree. They usually benefit from staking.

Semi-Dwarf- A semi-dwarf pear tree will grow 12-15′ tall 10′ wide. They are slower to bear fruit then dwarf, but will produce a larger amount, typically 2-3 bushels a tree. They commonly do not require staking.

Standard- A standard pear tree will grow 18′ x 13′ or larger. They often take longer to bear fruit, but bear the most fruit, typically 3-6 bushels a tree. They are very sturdy and require no staking.

Asian Pear:

Dwarf- A dwarf pear tree will grow 8-10′ tall by 5-7′ wide. They are usually the earliest to mature and bear fruit, and typically produce 2-3 bushel a tree. They usually benefit from staking.

Semi-Dwarf- A semi-dwarf pear tree will grow 12-15′ tall 10′ wide. They are slower to bear fruit then dwarf, but will produce a larger amount, typically 2-4 bushels a tree. They commonly do not require staking.

Standard- A standard pear tree will grow 18′ x 13′ or larger. They often take longer to bear fruit, but bear the most fruit, typically 4-6 bushels a tree. They are very sturdy and require no staking.

In order for pears to set fruit they need to be pollinated. Pears are most commonly pollinated by honey bees. European and Asian pears benefit or require cross-pollination. Cross pollination will occur when two or more differing varieties of compatible pears are planted within the same vicinity and bloom at the same or overlapping times. European and Asian pears are cross-compatible.