Growing pear trees in zone 9 ok?

12 years ago

Thinking about ordering/planting an asian pear tree but noticed it requires 450 chill hours, does Houston area or zone 9 generally get that much chill hours?

If not nearly to 450 c.h., will the pear tree still survive or thrive?

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Comments (9)

kingwood
12 years ago
According to what part of town you live in. The west and north gets much more than that. 450 would be borderline for downtown or the south side. I live on the northeast and get @700 hrs. Pretty much micro climate out here and the Bearcreek area gets over 600 hrs. The tree will grow without enough chill, but will not flower or fruit. If you are not extremely south I would go for it.
hoosierquilt USDA 10A Sunset 23 Vista CA
12 years ago
Sure hope so, since I have 16 different pear varieties planted :-) None are Asian pears, as I'm a European pear fan, but in general pears will produce even if they don't quite have the chill hours listed. Pears are one of the most adaptable fruit trees of all. And one of the least problematic. They grow very well in my area of S. California, and I'm zone 10a! I grow many varieties that state they need this number of chill hours, but will still do just fine, here. My sister has a Barlett that supposedly requires 500-600 chill hours. They do nothing for it, no spraying, pruning, feeding, nothing except water it when they remember to. They are only about 4 miles from the ocean and they have so many pears their neighbors pull the blinds when they see them coming around the neighborhood with paper bags (that's a bit of an exaggeration, but not that far off!) What Asian pear variety are you considering?

Patty S.
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I used to grow them up north in Oakland and they are great. Asian pears sold commercially are often picked before they are ripe - once picked, the fruits will not ripen further so homegrown are even sweeter. While most Asian pears are partially self-fruitful, they'll produce more and larger fruits with cross pollination. If space is limited, choose a tree that includes several grafted varieties on one trunk. Although it's a European pear, 'Bartlett' is a good pollinator. There are many, many species, so choice depends on largely on getting a low-chill variety (Pasadena is just about the far end of acceptability, so warm winter years may produce fewer fruit). But flavor varies depending on climate summer warmth to sweeten flavor and the trees hate humid summer conditions, so Pasadena is great for those requirements. Many growers agree that adding trace minerals, such as rock dust, to the soil results in better-tasting fruit, so the granite will help. Drainage is very important. You can cheat a little on chill requirements by planting on the shady north side of your house or a low spot on the property where cold air settles. But water can gather in low spots, so don't sacrifice drainage for chill. Because of the warm winters, these may be your best choice (need about 400 hours of temp below 45 degrees). Chojuro- ripe mid-August Hosui - Early Sept. Niiataka - Late Sept. Shinko - Late Sept. Tsu Li - Late Sept. Ya Li - Late Sept. Fireblight is a major concern for most species, so try to keep leaves and fruit dry in summer/fall, make sure your plants aren't being infected by aphids, leaf hoppers, or beetles and prune ruthlessly if branches start to wither.
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gonebananas_gw
12 years ago
There are some amateur pear growing experts in the Houston area. Call the county ag extension service.
copingwithclay
12 years ago
Tennosui is an Asian hybrid with little fireblight problems that should work with the 450.
jblaschke
12 years ago
I'm in New Braunfels, right at the 8b/9a border and there are several pear trees in my neighborhood that fruit readily. My moonglow has no problem with the chill hours I get, and down the road are what I suspect are garber and kieffer trees that just about buckle under the weight of their fruit each year. Stick with the lower chill, fireblight resistant varieties and you should do fine.
AJBB
12 years ago
This guy lives in Houston and has successfully grown pears. Here's a link to his suggestions.

Here is a link that might be useful: Urban Harvest of Houston
charleslou23
Original Author
12 years ago
well looks like the chill hrs shouldnt be a problem based on the responses...

1 more issue, are asian pear trees self fertile? I really just want to get 1 since it'll take a bit of my little backyard space.
hoosierquilt USDA 10A Sunset 23 Vista CA
12 years ago
Charles, pretty sure most if not all Asian pears need a cross-pollenizer. I think Shinseiki is partially self-fertile in warmer climates, but overall, they do need a cross-pollenizer. You can always keep them in check by pruning, though, and get them on dwarfing rootstock to help keep the size down. Raintree has a nice selection, and does grow all their Asian pears on Old Home x Farmingdale rootstock which is dwarfing.

Patty S.
copingwithclay
12 years ago
The Tennosui is self-fruitful.

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Growing pear trees in zone 9 ok?

Comments (9)

kingwood

hoosierquilt USDA 10A Sunset 23 Vista CA

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gonebananas_gw

copingwithclay

jblaschke

AJBB

charleslou23
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hoosierquilt USDA 10A Sunset 23 Vista CA

copingwithclay

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Growing pear trees in zone 9 ok?

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charleslou23Original Author

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