How to Grow Pear

Updated June 2026

A cool-season fruit for the home garden across the warmer US.

What it looks like as it grows

Pear is a rewarding cool-season crop for backyard growers.

When to plant

Pear is a cool-season crop. In the South and Southwest, plant in fall through winter when the heat eases. See your region on the pear page for exact timing.

Varieties

Pineapple, Fire-blight-resistant Southern pear (Southern nurseries)
Hood, Low-chill, early (Southern nurseries)

How to grow it

Sun & soil: full sun, rich well-drained soil with even moisture.
Spacing: about 13.1 ft between plants.
Sowing: sow about 12 in deep.
Water: roughly 4 gal per plant every 3 days in hot weather.

Pests & problems

Watch for Codling moth, Pear and cherry slug, Scale and Birds. In humid regions, Fire blight, Pear scab and Black spot can appear, so space for airflow and water at the roots in the morning.

Harvest

Pear is usually ready to harvest within roughly 12 months once established. Pick regularly to keep plants productive.

When to plant in your region

Pick your region to see exactly when to plant pear where you garden.

See also: Pear in the plant library →

See what to plant this month

Pick your region for a month-by-month calendar tuned to your climate.

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