Early-Ripening Pear Trees
Pears that come ripe in August here in Missoula. They're the first pears of the year and a safe bet anywhere fall comes early. Like most summer pears they don't keep long, so plan on eating, canning or drying them.
More about early pears
The Russian pears Krazulya and Krasnobokaya are hardy to zone 2. Summercrisp, Ure and Hudar take zone 3. Summercrisp is a University of Minnesota pear you eat crisp, and Hudar is self-fertile.
Ubileen is usually the first ripe and resists fire blight. Beurré Giffard, Clapp's Favorite and Stuttgarter Gaishirtle round it out, all rated to zone 4.
Pick pears a little before they're ripe and let them finish on the counter. Left on the tree they go mealy at the core. Our ripening map moves these dates to your town, and the pear pollination map helps you pick a partner.
Questions we get
What is the earliest ripening pear?
Ubileen, around the start of August here, followed closely by Beurré Giffard, Hudar and Ure.
What early pear is hardiest?
Krazulya and Krasnobokaya, both hardy to zone 2.
When should I pick pears?
When they turn a little lighter green and come off with a twist. Then ripen them on the counter for a few days.
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