{"title":"Mid-Season Pear Trees","description":"\u003cp\u003ePears that come ripe in early to mid September here in Missoula. This group has the hardiest pears we grow, with several Russian varieties that take zone 2, plus Bartlett, the classic canning pear.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cdetails class=\"mft-more\"\u003e\u003csummary\u003eMore about mid-season pears\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/bolshaya-pear\"\u003eBolshaya\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/bulgaria-pear\"\u003eBulgaria\u003c\/a\u003e are hardy to zone 2, and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/larinskaya-pear\"\u003eLarinskaya\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/vekovaya-pear\"\u003eVekovaya\u003c\/a\u003e to 2b. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/nova-pear\"\u003eNova\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/waterville-pear\"\u003eWaterville\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/savignac-pear\"\u003eSavignac\u003c\/a\u003e take zone 3.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/bartlett-pear\"\u003eBartlett\u003c\/a\u003e (zone 3b) scored a full 10 for canning, and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/clara-frijs-pear\"\u003eClara Frijs\u003c\/a\u003e is rated to zone 3b too. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/honeysweet-pear\"\u003eHoneysweet\u003c\/a\u003e (zone 4) is self-fertile and resists fire blight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePick them a little before they're ripe and finish them on the counter. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/ripening-map\"\u003eripening map\u003c\/a\u003e moves these dates to your town, and the \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/pear-pollination-map\"\u003epear pollination map\u003c\/a\u003e shows which ones bloom together.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhen is Bartlett pear ripe?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEarly to mid September here in Missoula. Pick it green and ripen it inside.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat's the hardiest pear tree?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBolshaya and Bulgaria are hardy to zone 2, along with Krazulya and Krasnobokaya, which ripen earlier.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDo I need two pear trees?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost pears need a second variety. Honeysweet is self-fertile, and Bartlett and Nova are partially self-fertile.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"bartlett-pear","title":"Bartlett Pear (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bartlett Pear is a pear tree rated hardy to zone 3b in our ratings (winters to -35°F), partially self-fertile, so a second variety nearby makes crops more dependable (bloom group 4 of 7, mid for a European pear), and it ripens about Sep 7 to Sep 21 in Missoula (our Missoula estimate).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 3b to 9. The b means the warmer half of zone 3 only (winters to -35°F). Our notes have it taking -41°F. Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 800 hours (500 to 1,500). Published figures disagree, so treat this as a middle estimate. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#bartlett-pear\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePartially Self-Fertile. Bloom group 4 of 7 (mid), mid spring here. Bartlett sets some fruit alone but crops best with a partner like D'Anjou, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/golden-russett-bosc\"\u003eBosc\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/products\/flemish-beauty-pear\"\u003eFlemish Beauty\u003c\/a\u003e. Do not rely on it with \u003ca href=\"\/products\/seckel-pear\"\u003eSeckel\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/red-sensation-bartlett-pear\"\u003eRed Sensation Bartlett\u003c\/a\u003e (the same tree genetically) or \u003ca href=\"\/products\/cold-snap-pear\"\u003eCold Snap\u003c\/a\u003e. Nearby varieties that can boost the crop: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/w0cjbu6yrtjetw48n6ga9edg4vgxoe\"\u003eFlemish Beauty Pear\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/harrow-sweet-pear\"\u003eHarrow Sweet Pear\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/karls-favorite-pear\"\u003eKarl's Favorite Pear\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/danjou-pear\"\u003eD'Anjou Pear\u003c\/a\u003e and 26 more. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/pear-pollination-map\"\u003ePear Pollination Map\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRipens\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout Sep 7 to Sep 21 in Missoula (a Missoula estimate from published sources). Real years swing about a week either way. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/ripening-map\"\u003eSee the date for your town\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRootstock and size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOHxF 87: semi-dwarf, about 14 to 19 ft tall unpruned. The most precocious OHxF stock. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/rootstocks\"\u003eOur rootstock guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCanning and freezing (10\/10), brandy and liqueurs (10\/10), fresh eating (9\/10), drying (9\/10), sauce and butter (8\/10), jams and jellies (7\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSometimes damaged by deer.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root, 5-7 ft. Regular Grade or 5-7 ft. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eThe most widely grown pear in the world, Bartlett doesn’t need much of an introduction. Its taste has stood the test of time—and its trees have too, at least sometimes. One Bartlett reportedly withstood -41°F in Minnesota, although we think that may have been an anomaly (maybe due to this tree's deep soils and perhaps good airflow). We’ve also seen Bartlett perish in its second year after hitting -38°F in Fortine, MT on 1\/13\/24.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eFlavor, History \u0026amp; Growth Habit\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eFirst grown in 1797, Bartlett’s sweet and juicy flavor has made it a favorite for centuries—especially when left to ripen on the tree, which most commercial Bartletts never get the chance to do. It’s also notoriously fast-growing, which means you won’t be waiting as long for your first harvest compared to other pear varieties.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003ePollination \u0026amp; Site Considerations\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eIf you’re cramped on space, Bartlett is partially self-fertile and can be planted on its own—though, as with most fruit trees, you’ll get more fruit with a partner.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eCold hardy to -35°F, Bartlett should do well in most of the warmer valleys in Western Montana (Missoula, Bitterroot, Flathead, Mission), but it’s probably not hardy enough for Eastern MT.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eTree Details\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eThese trees are grafted onto OHxF87 and are available in several sizes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:12px;color:#777;margin-top:24px\"\u003ePhotos: “Bartlett pear” by Rhododendrites, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Bartlett_pear.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eWikimedia Commons\u003c\/a\u003e, licensed \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/4.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eCC BY-SA 4.0\u003c\/a\u003e; “Williamsbirne durch die Mitte aufgeschnitten” by Staycoolandbegood, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Williamsbirne_durch_die_Mitte_aufgeschnitten.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eWikimedia Commons\u003c\/a\u003e, public domain; “Pear Blossom Williams Christ” by El tommo, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Pear_Blossom_Williams_Christ.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eWikimedia Commons\u003c\/a\u003e, licensed \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/creativecommons.org\/publicdomain\/zero\/1.0\/deed.en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eCC0\u003c\/a\u003e; “Klostergarten Seligenstadt Williams Christ Pear Tree” by Alexander Klink, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Klostergarten_Seligenstadt_Williams_Christ_Pear_Tree.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eWikimedia Commons\u003c\/a\u003e, licensed \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/4.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eCC BY 4.0\u003c\/a\u003e; “Organic Bartlett Pears” by Joe Mabel, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Organic_Bartlett_Pears.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eWikimedia Commons\u003c\/a\u003e, licensed \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/3.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eCC BY-SA 3.0\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Bartlett Pear\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Bartlett Pear need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt helps. Bartlett Pear is partially self-fertile, so it can set some fruit alone, but a second variety nearby makes crops more dependable. Bartlett sets some fruit alone but crops best with a partner like \u003ca href=\"\/products\/danjou-pear\"\u003eD'Anjou\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/golden-russett-bosc\"\u003eBosc\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/products\/flemish-beauty-pear\"\u003eFlemish Beauty\u003c\/a\u003e. Do not rely on it with \u003ca href=\"\/products\/seckel-pear\"\u003eSeckel\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/red-sensation-bartlett-pear\"\u003eRed Sensation Bartlett\u003c\/a\u003e (the same tree genetically) or \u003ca href=\"\/products\/cold-snap-pear\"\u003eCold Snap\u003c\/a\u003e. Partners we carry include Flemish Beauty Pear, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/harrow-sweet-pear\"\u003eHarrow Sweet Pear\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/karls-favorite-pear\"\u003eKarl's Favorite Pear\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Bartlett Pear?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Bartlett Pear hardy to zone 3b, which means winters down to about -35°F. Our notes have it taking -41°F. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Bartlett Pear need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 800 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 500 and 1,500. Published figures for it disagree, so treat that as a middle estimate. Most sources say about 800 hours, but they range from 500 to 1,500. In mild-winter areas bloom can get sparse and drawn out. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#bartlett-pear\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhen does Bartlett Pear ripen?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout Sep 7 to Sep 21 in Missoula, Montana (an estimate built from published sources and our climate). Warmer places run earlier and cooler places later; our ripening map converts the date to your town.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow big does Bartlett Pear get?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe graft Bartlett Pear onto OHxF 87 (semi-dwarf), which makes a tree roughly 14 to 19 ft tall if you never prune it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Bartlett Pear good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Bartlett Pear are canning and freezing (10\/10), brandy and liqueurs (10\/10), fresh eating (9\/10), drying (9\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Bartlett Pear?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSometimes. Deer browse Bartlett Pear now and then, so protect young plants where deer pressure is high.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"OHxF 87 Semi-Dwarf: 5-7 ft. Regular Grade (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":42539489558594,"sku":null,"price":64.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"OHxF 87 Semi-Dwarf: 5-7 ft. (Larger \u0026 More Branching) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":42539489591362,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/bartlett-pear-ripe.jpg?v=1791615017"},{"product_id":"bolshaya-pear","title":"Bolshaya Pear (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bolshaya Pear is a pear tree rated hardy to zone 2 in our ratings (winters to -50°F), and not self-fertile, so it needs a different variety nearby as a pollenizer (bloom group 3 of 7, early-mid for a European pear).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 2 to 7. A bare number means the whole of zone 2, colder half included (winters to -50°F). Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 800 hours (500 to 1,200). Our estimate. No published figure exists for this variety yet. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#bolshaya-pear\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNeeds Cross-Pollination. Bloom group 3 of 7 (early-mid), mid spring here. No self-fertility data exists for Bolshaya, so plan on a partner. The other Russian pears (\u003ca href=\"\/products\/krazulya-pear\"\u003eKrazulya\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/larinskaya-pear\"\u003eLarinskaya\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/vekovaya-pear\"\u003eVekovaya\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/krasnobokaya-pear\"\u003eKrasnobokaya\u003c\/a\u003e) are the best bets for overlapping bloom. Good partners we carry: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/danjou-pear\"\u003eD'Anjou Pear\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/stuttgarter-gaishirtle-pear\"\u003eStuttgarter Gaishirtle Pear\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/summercrisp-pear\"\u003eSummercrisp Pear\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/ure-pear\"\u003eUre Pear\u003c\/a\u003e and 25 more. Bloom group is our estimate from the variety's origin and relatives. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/pear-pollination-map\"\u003ePear Pollination Map\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRootstock and size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePyrus ussuriensis: full size, about 20 to 30 ft tall unpruned. Ussurian pear, the hardiest pear species there is. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/rootstocks\"\u003eOur rootstock guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFresh eating (8\/10), jams and jellies (6\/10), canning and freezing (6\/10), juice and sweet cider (6\/10), pies and baking (6\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSometimes damaged by deer.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root, 2-3 ft or 3-5 ft or 5-7 ft. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBolshaya is one of our newest introductions. Given that we do not have experience growing it, and that it is hard to find original info on this pear in the U.S., we have translated from this \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/%D1%81%D0%B0%D0%B6%D0%B5%D0%BD%D1%86%D1%8B13.%D1%80%D1%84\/product\/grusha-bolshaya\/\"\u003eRussian site here\u003c\/a\u003e, and put it in our own words (without altering any of the information). \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOrigins\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBolshaya is a modern Russian cultivar originating from the \u003cstrong\u003eSouth Ural Research Institute of Fruit, Vegetable, and Potato Growing (UNIPOK)\u003c\/strong\u003e. It was bred by \u003cstrong\u003eE. E. Falkenberg, A. Mazunin, and L. I. Bolotina\u003c\/strong\u003e, selected from a cross between \u003cstrong\u003eUssurian pear seedlings and the Havisel variety\u003c\/strong\u003e. Its original breeding form was designated \u003cstrong\u003e105-4-75\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTree Characteristics\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe tree is vigorous, forming a \u003cstrong\u003elarge, wide-spreading crown\u003c\/strong\u003e. Productivity is described as \u003cstrong\u003econsistently high\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFruit Description\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFruits are \u003cstrong\u003eround-shaped\u003c\/strong\u003e, ripening to a \u003cstrong\u003elight yellow\u003c\/strong\u003e with a \u003cstrong\u003esoft, light blush\u003c\/strong\u003e. Average fruit size ranges from \u003cstrong\u003e90–115 g\u003c\/strong\u003e, with larger specimens reaching \u003cstrong\u003eup to 145 g\u003c\/strong\u003e. The variety shows \u003cstrong\u003eno susceptibility to scab\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRipening occurs in the \u003cstrong\u003efirst half of September\u003c\/strong\u003e, and fruits store for \u003cstrong\u003eapproximately three weeks\u003c\/strong\u003e under normal conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFlavor \u0026amp; Texture\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe flesh is \u003cstrong\u003ewhite, very juicy\u003c\/strong\u003e, with a \u003cstrong\u003ethin, nearly imperceptible skin\u003c\/strong\u003e. When allowed to \u003cstrong\u003efully ripen on the tree\u003c\/strong\u003e, Bolshaya is considered a \u003cstrong\u003etrue dessert pear\u003c\/strong\u003e, rated \u003cstrong\u003e4.7–4.9 points\u003c\/strong\u003e (our of 5) by UNIPOK tasters. At full maturity it develops an \u003cstrong\u003eexcellent, sweet, harmonious flavor with a strong, pleasant pear aroma\u003c\/strong\u003e; granulation is \u003cstrong\u003eminimal to nonexistent\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImportant maturity note:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIf harvested at \"removable maturity\"—\u003cem\u003eearly yellowing but not fully ripe\u003c\/em\u003e—the flavor is described as \u003cstrong\u003emediocre\u003c\/strong\u003e, rated only \u003cstrong\u003e3.7–4.2\u003c\/strong\u003e due to a persistent \u003cstrong\u003etart firmness\u003c\/strong\u003e that does not dissipate in storage. Maximum quality is achieved \u003cstrong\u003eonly when left to ripen completely on the tree\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWater Requirements\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBolshaya responds noticeably to \u003cstrong\u003eadequate irrigation\u003c\/strong\u003e. Under moisture stress, the fruits become \u003cstrong\u003edry\u003c\/strong\u003e and lose their characteristic juiciness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOverall Assessment\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAccording to evaluations from UNIPOK, Bolshaya holds \u003cstrong\u003ethe highest flavor rating of any pear variety ever bred in the Southern Urals\u003c\/strong\u003e, provided it is allowed to ripen fully on the tree. Its combination of winter hardiness, productivity, dessert quality, and aromatic character make it one of the standout pears of its breeding region.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe have data in Montana on how Bolshaya has done here (see below). We'll first list what the Russian site says and then explain how the tree has done on a site in Bozeman.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRussian website\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWinter hardiness is considered quite high—higher than Krasulya and Raduzhnaya (Rainbow), but slightly below Uralochka and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/krasnobokaya-pear\"\u003eKrasnobokaya\u003c\/a\u003e—placing it firmly among the reliable cold-climate pears of the Southern Urals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowing in Montana\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe obtained cuttings from Les McCartney (Bozeman, MT) in spring 2025, and these trees originate from those grafts and newer ones (see grades). Les grows Bolshaya on the valley floor, where his tree has withstood temperatures near –45°F without any winter injury. Given both its Russian breeding background and its performance in Montana, Bolshaya can confidently be considered a solid Zone 2 pear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Bolshaya Pear\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Bolshaya Pear need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Bolshaya Pear needs pollen from a different variety that blooms at about the same time. No self-fertility data exists for Bolshaya, so plan on a partner. The other Russian pears (\u003ca href=\"\/products\/krazulya-pear\"\u003eKrazulya\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/larinskaya-pear\"\u003eLarinskaya\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/vekovaya-pear\"\u003eVekovaya\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/krasnobokaya-pear\"\u003eKrasnobokaya\u003c\/a\u003e) are the best bets for overlapping bloom. Partners we carry include \u003ca href=\"\/products\/danjou-pear\"\u003eD'Anjou Pear\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/stuttgarter-gaishirtle-pear\"\u003eStuttgarter Gaishirtle Pear\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/summercrisp-pear\"\u003eSummercrisp Pear\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Bolshaya Pear?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Bolshaya Pear hardy to zone 2, which means winters down to about -50°F. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Bolshaya Pear need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 800 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 500 and 1,200. Nobody has published a chill figure for it, so that's our estimate from its relatives and origin. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#bolshaya-pear\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow big does Bolshaya Pear get?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe graft Bolshaya Pear onto Pyrus ussuriensis (full size), which makes a tree roughly 20 to 30 ft tall if you never prune it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Bolshaya Pear good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Bolshaya Pear are fresh eating (8\/10), jams and jellies (6\/10), canning and freezing (6\/10), juice and sweet cider (6\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Bolshaya Pear?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSometimes. Deer browse Bolshaya Pear now and then, so protect young plants where deer pressure is high.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat arrives, and when does Bolshaya Pear ship?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA dormant bare-root plant, roots wrapped in moist sawdust with a vapor barrier, shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring. Sizes offered: 2-3 ft or 3-5 ft or 5-7 ft. We guarantee our plants bud out. Stone fruits can be slow, so if one still has not budded out by August 15, write to us and we credit you for the following spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Pyrus ussuriensis Full Size: 2-3 ft.","offer_id":45124871225410,"sku":null,"price":34.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Pyrus ussuriensis Full Size: 2-3 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":45124871258178,"sku":null,"price":44.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Pyrus ussuriensis Full Size: 3-5 ft.","offer_id":45124871290946,"sku":null,"price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Pyrus ussuriensis Full Size: 3-5 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":45124871323714,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Pyrus ussuriensis Full Size: 5-7 ft.","offer_id":45124871356482,"sku":null,"price":69.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/bolshaya-pear-fruit-cut.webp?v=1790181391"},{"product_id":"vekovaya-pear","title":"Vekovaya Pear (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Vekovaya Pear is a pear tree rated hardy to zone 2b in our ratings (winters to -45°F), not self-fertile, so it needs a different variety nearby as a pollenizer (bloom group 3 of 7, early-mid for a European pear), and it ripens about Sep 3 to Sep 15 in Missoula (our Missoula estimate).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 2b to 7. The b means the warmer half of zone 2 only (winters to -45°F). Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 800 hours (600 to 1,200). Our estimate. No published figure exists for this variety yet. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#vekovaya-pear\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNeeds Cross-Pollination. Bloom group 3 of 7 (early-mid), mid spring here. Vekovaya needs a pollenizer. Larinskaya flowers at the same time and is the best partner we offer. Good partners we carry: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/larinskaya-pear\"\u003eLarinskaya Pear\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/danjou-pear\"\u003eD'Anjou Pear\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/stuttgarter-gaishirtle-pear\"\u003eStuttgarter Gaishirtle Pear\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/summercrisp-pear\"\u003eSummercrisp Pear\u003c\/a\u003e and 25 more. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/pear-pollination-map\"\u003ePear Pollination Map\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRipens\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout Sep 3 to Sep 15 in Missoula (a Missoula estimate from published sources). Real years swing about a week either way. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/ripening-map\"\u003eSee the date for your town\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRootstock and size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUssurian: full size, about 20 to 30 ft tall unpruned. The hardiest pear species there is. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/rootstocks\"\u003eOur rootstock guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFresh eating (7\/10), drying (7\/10), canning and freezing (6\/10), juice and sweet cider (6\/10), cooking and roasting (6\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSometimes damaged by deer.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root, 3-5 ft or 2-4 ft or 5-7 ft or 4-6 ft. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIntroduction and Research Context\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVekovaya (Вековая) is a new pear cultivar for us. Because we are still in the early stages of evaluating this cultivar ourselves—and because there is very little high-quality information available in English—we conducted a targeted review of pomological research literature and translated key passages directly from Russian into English. The description below is synthesized exclusively from these primary sources:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePlodovodstvo i vinogradarstvo Yuga Rossii\u003c\/em\u003e (2021) – \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/journalkubansad.ru\/get\/1203\/\"\u003ehttps:\/\/journalkubansad.ru\/get\/1203\/\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eContemporary Horticulture\u003c\/em\u003e (2019) – (\u003ca title=\"DOI: 10.24411\/2312-6701-2019-10301\" href=\"https:\/\/cyberleninka.ru\/article\/n\/ekologicheskaya-plastichnost-sortov-grushi-na-yuzhnom-urale\/pdf\"\u003eКиберЛенинка\u003c\/a\u003e)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Итоги селекции груши на Южном Урале” (2011) – (\u003ca title=\"Итоги селекции груши на Южном Урале – тема научной статьи по сельскому хозяйству, лесному хозяйству, рыбному хозяйству читайте бесплатно текст научно-исследовательской работы в электронной библиотеке КиберЛенинка\" href=\"https:\/\/cyberleninka.ru\/article\/n\/itogi-selektsii-grushi-na-yuzhnom-urale\"\u003eКиберЛенинка\u003c\/a\u003e)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“СОВЕРШЕНСТВОВАНИЕ СОРТИМЕНТА ГРУШИ НА ЮЖНОМ УРАЛЕ” (2023) – (\u003ca title=\"СОВЕРШЕНСТВОВАНИЕ СОРТИМЕНТА ГРУШИ НА ЮЖНОМ УРАЛЕ – тема научной статьи по сельскому хозяйству, лесному хозяйству, рыбному хозяйству читайте бесплатно текст научно-исследовательской работы в электронной библиотеке КиберЛенинка\" href=\"https:\/\/cyberleninka.ru\/article\/n\/sovershenstvovanie-sortimenta-grushi-na-yuzhnom-urale\"\u003eКиберЛенинка\u003c\/a\u003e)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVNIISPK variety entry: “Груша, Сорт Вековая” – (\u003ca title=\"Груша, Сорт Вековая - ФГБНУ ВНИИСПК\" href=\"https:\/\/vniispk.ru\/varieties\/%D0%B2%D0%B5%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B0%D1%8F\"\u003eVNIISPK\u003c\/a\u003e)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe description that follows reflects only what is reported in those sources, without extrapolation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eVekovaya (Вековая) Pear\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eResearch–Based Description (translated from Russian sources listed above)\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOrigin and Breeding Context\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVekovaya is a South Ural–bred pear cultivar. In a South Ural breeding summary, Vekovaya is reported as having been created using a high-winter-hardiness\/scab-resistance donor (Ussurian pear hybrid No. 41-15-9) in combination with “elite 143” (“Вековая (с элитой 143)”). (\u003ca title=\"Итоги селекции груши на Южном Урале – тема научной статьи по сельскому хозяйству, лесному хозяйству, рыбному хозяйству читайте бесплатно текст научно-исследовательской работы в электронной библиотеке КиберЛенинка\" href=\"https:\/\/cyberleninka.ru\/article\/n\/itogi-selektsii-grushi-na-yuzhnom-urale\"\u003eКиберЛенинка\u003c\/a\u003e) The VNIISPK national cultivar register gives a different parentage for Vekovaya, stating it was 'получен от скрещивания сортов Сюрприз и Повислая' (obtained by crossing the cultivars Syurpriz and Povislaya). We are recording both, since the South Ural breeding summary and the national register do not agree.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eRipening Period and Keeping Quality\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn trial descriptions, Vekovaya is described as an autumn pear. Fruit maturity is reported as late August to early September, with stated keeping quality up to 45 days.\u003cbr\u003eA separate institutional cultivar entry reports fruit ripening late August–early September and storage up to 1.5 months. (\u003ca title=\"Груша, Сорт Вековая - ФГБНУ ВНИИСПК\" href=\"https:\/\/vniispk.ru\/varieties\/%D0%B2%D0%B5%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B0%D1%8F\"\u003eVNIISPK\u003c\/a\u003e)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTree Characteristics\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the Krasnodar evaluation paper, Vekovaya is described as a medium-sized, compact tree with a rounded crown, highly winter-hardy, and entering bearing in the 4th–5th year.\u003cbr\u003eThe VNIISPK cultivar entry states the cultivar is sufficiently winter-hardy in the Chelyabinsk region; in winter 2010 at −40°C (−40°F), freezing damage was reported up to 1.0 point, and the cultivar is described as having high recovery ability. (\u003ca title=\"Груша, Сорт Вековая - ФГБНУ ВНИИСПК\" href=\"https:\/\/vniispk.ru\/varieties\/%D0%B2%D0%B5%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B0%D1%8F\"\u003eVNIISPK\u003c\/a\u003e)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eProductivity and Yield\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn a long-term ecological adaptability study conducted in the Southern Urals, Vekovaya was the highest-yielding pear among the cultivars tested. Average production was reported at 15.5 metric tons per hectare, which translates to about 13,800 pounds of fruit per acre. Researchers described the variety as well adapted and reliable across different growing conditions, meaning it both responds well when conditions are good and remains productive when conditions are less ideal. Over a five-year period, Vekovaya showed an adaptability rating of 132%, indicating above-average performance compared to other tested cultivars.\u003cbr\u003eSource: \u003cem\u003eEcological plasticity of pear cultivars in the Southern Urals\u003c\/em\u003e (2019), CyberLeninka\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cyberleninka.ru\/article\/n\/ekologicheskaya-plastichnost-sortov-grushi-na-yuzhnom-urale\"\u003ehttps:\/\/cyberleninka.ru\/article\/n\/ekologicheskaya-plastichnost-sortov-grushi-na-yuzhnom-urale\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn a separate South Ural study summarizing results from 2019–2022, Vekovaya produced an average of 28.9 kilograms per tree, or roughly 64 pounds of fruit per tree. That same study reported even higher field-scale productivity of 17.8 metric tons per hectare, equivalent to about 15,900 pounds per acre, reinforcing Vekovaya’s reputation in Russian research as a consistently high-yielding pear.\u003cbr\u003eSource: \u003cem\u003eImprovement of the pear assortment in the Southern Urals\u003c\/em\u003e (2023), CyberLeninka\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cyberleninka.ru\/article\/n\/sovershenstvovanie-sortimenta-grushi-na-yuzhnom-urale\"\u003ehttps:\/\/cyberleninka.ru\/article\/n\/sovershenstvovanie-sortimenta-grushi-na-yuzhnom-urale\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFruit Characteristics\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the Krasnodar evaluation paper, Vekovaya fruit are reported as 130–240 g each (~1\/4 lb to 1\/2 lb per pear), pear-shaped, yellow, with characteristic red and gray dots, and sometimes an intense pink blush. Flesh is described as white, tender, very juicy, sweet-sour, with a tasting score reported as 4.4–4.6 points, which translates to \"Very good to excellent dessert pear\". The VNIISPK cultivar entry describes the flesh as white, dense, tender, fine-grained, sour-sweet with a moderate aroma, and notes use primarily fresh and for juice, compotes, and dried fruit. (\u003ca title=\"Груша, Сорт Вековая - ФГБНУ ВНИИСПК\" href=\"https:\/\/vniispk.ru\/varieties\/%D0%B2%D0%B5%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B0%D1%8F\"\u003eVNIISPK\u003c\/a\u003e)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDisease and Pest Resistance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the Krasnodar evaluation paper, scab was not observed, and resistance to pear gall mite and bacterial fire blight is described as high.\u003cbr\u003eIt is also described there as high resistance to scab and pear gall mite. (\u003ca title=\"Груша, Сорт Вековая - ФГБНУ ВНИИСПК\" href=\"https:\/\/vniispk.ru\/varieties\/%D0%B2%D0%B5%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B0%D1%8F\"\u003eVNIISPK\u003c\/a\u003e)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollination Notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the Krasnodar evaluation paper, Vekovaya is described as self-sterile and requiring pollenizers.\u003cbr\u003eMany of the pears that the VNIISPK cultivar entry lists recommends as pollenizers for Vekovaya we do not offer, with the exception of \u003ca href=\"\/products\/larinskaya-pear\"\u003eLarinskaya\u003c\/a\u003e. (\u003ca title=\"Груша, Сорт Вековая - ФГБНУ ВНИИСПК\" href=\"https:\/\/vniispk.ru\/varieties\/%D0%B2%D0%B5%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B0%D1%8F\"\u003eVNIISPK\u003c\/a\u003e)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWinter Hardiness and Cold Climate Adaptation\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Russian pomological literature, Vekovaya is consistently described as a highly winter-hardy pear, bred specifically for severe continental climates. In South Ural trials, the cultivar demonstrated strong tolerance to extreme cold. During the winter of 2010, when air temperatures reached −40 °C (−40 °F), observed freezing damage on Vekovaya trees was reported as no more than 1.0 point, which in Russian evaluations indicates very minor injury with no meaningful impact on tree survival or recovery. Researchers also noted the cultivar’s high regenerative (recovery) capacity following winter stress, meaning trees were able to resume normal growth and fruiting after extreme cold events.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn broader South Ural breeding and assortment studies, Vekovaya is grouped with locally developed pears selected for long-term durability, winter survival, and stable productivity under harsh conditions. Its parentage includes Ussurian-derived material, which is commonly used in Russian breeding programs specifically to confer exceptional cold hardiness and resilience. Collectively, these findings position Vekovaya as a pear cultivar well adapted areas where winter minimums approach −40 °F. And given its success in Les McCartney's orchard in Bozeman, MT, where winters have been -45 °F, and his Vekovaya trees had no to very little winter injury, Vekovaya is likely hardy to zone 2b and even 2a, with possibly some winter injury. Good for much of Montana, even many areas east of the divide. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Vekovaya Pear\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Vekovaya Pear need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Vekovaya Pear needs pollen from a different variety that blooms at about the same time. Vekovaya needs a pollenizer. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/larinskaya-pear\"\u003eLarinskaya\u003c\/a\u003e flowers at the same time and is the best partner we offer. Partners we carry include Larinskaya Pear, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/danjou-pear\"\u003eD'Anjou Pear\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/stuttgarter-gaishirtle-pear\"\u003eStuttgarter Gaishirtle Pear\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Vekovaya Pear?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Vekovaya Pear hardy to zone 2b, which means winters down to about -45°F. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Vekovaya Pear need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 800 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 600 and 1,200. Nobody has published a chill figure for it, so that's our estimate from its relatives and origin. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#vekovaya-pear\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhen does Vekovaya Pear ripen?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout Sep 3 to Sep 15 in Missoula, Montana (an estimate built from published sources and our climate). Warmer places run earlier and cooler places later; our ripening map converts the date to your town.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow big does Vekovaya Pear get?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe graft Vekovaya Pear onto Ussurian (full size), which makes a tree roughly 20 to 30 ft tall if you never prune it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Vekovaya Pear good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Vekovaya Pear are fresh eating (7\/10), drying (7\/10), canning and freezing (6\/10), juice and sweet cider (6\/10).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Vekovaya Pear?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSometimes. Deer browse Vekovaya Pear now and then, so protect young plants where deer pressure is high.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Ussurian Pear Full Size: 3-5 ft.","offer_id":42508246843458,"sku":null,"price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Ussurian Pear Full Size: 2-4 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":45143804018754,"sku":null,"price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Ussurian Pear Full Size: 5-7 ft.","offer_id":45143804051522,"sku":null,"price":69.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Ussurian Pear Full Size: 4-6 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":45143804084290,"sku":null,"price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/vekovaya-pear-on-tree.jpg?v=1789021308"},{"product_id":"larinskaya-pear","title":"Larinskaya Pear (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Larinskaya Pear is a pear tree rated hardy to zone 2b in our ratings (winters to -45°F), and not self-fertile, so it needs a different variety nearby as a pollenizer (bloom group 3 of 7, early-mid for a European pear).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 2b to 7. The b means the warmer half of zone 2 only (winters to -45°F). Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 800 hours (600 to 1,200). Our estimate. No published figure exists for this variety yet. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#larinskaya-pear\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNeeds Cross-Pollination. Bloom group 3 of 7 (early-mid), mid spring here. Larinskaya needs a pollenizer. Vekovaya and Krazulya bloom at the same time and make good partners. Good partners we carry: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/krazulya-pear\"\u003eKrazulya Pear\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/vekovaya-pear\"\u003eVekovaya Pear\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/danjou-pear\"\u003eD'Anjou Pear\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/stuttgarter-gaishirtle-pear\"\u003eStuttgarter Gaishirtle Pear\u003c\/a\u003e and 25 more. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/pear-pollination-map\"\u003ePear Pollination Map\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRootstock and size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUssurian: full size, about 20 to 30 ft tall unpruned. The hardiest pear species there is. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/rootstocks\"\u003eOur rootstock guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFresh eating (8\/10), canning and freezing (6\/10), juice and sweet cider (6\/10), cooking and roasting (6\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSometimes damaged by deer.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root, 2-3 ft or 3-5 ft. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIntroduction\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLarinskaya (Ларинская) is a South Ural Russian pear and one of the core Russian cultivars we currently offer. Like all of our Russian pears, Larinskaya has been grown successfully by Les McCartney in Bozeman, Montana, where these pears have survived unscathed after experiencing winter temperatures approaching −45°F. Based on both Russian research and Montana field experience, Larinskaya and the other Russian pears we are currently growing are hardy to at least USDA Zone 2b (−45°F) with little to no winter injury. They are likely capable of surviving down to −50°F, though some winter injury should be expected at those extremes; importantly, damage would likely not extend to the trunk. We're listing it conservatively at zone 2b (-45°F) until we have more data.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause there is limited high-quality information available in English, the description below was created by translating and synthesizing primary Russian pomological literature and official cultivar documentation. Technical language has been translated into plain English, and all metric values have been converted into U.S. units.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrimary sources:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVNIISPK cultivar entry: \u003cem\u003e“Груша, Сорт Ларинская”\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/vniispk.ru\/varieties\/%D0%BB%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%B8%D0%BD%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B0%D1%8F\"\u003ehttps:\/\/vniispk.ru\/varieties\/%D0%BB%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%B8%D0%BD%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B0%D1%8F\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e“Совершенствование сортимента груши на Южном Урале”\u003c\/em\u003e (South Ural Research Institute synthesis, 2023)\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cyberleninka.ru\/article\/n\/sovershenstvovanie-sortimenta-grushi-na-yuzhnom-urale\"\u003ehttps:\/\/cyberleninka.ru\/article\/n\/sovershenstvovanie-sortimenta-grushi-na-yuzhnom-urale\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe description that follows reflects only what is reported in those sources, without extrapolation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLarinskaya (Ларинская) Pear\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eSouth Ural Research–Based Description\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOrigin and Breeding Context\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLarinskaya is an autumn-ripening pear bred at the South Ural Research Institute of Horticulture and Potato Growing. It was developed by crossing a Ussurian pear seedling (41-15-9) with \u003ca href=\"\/products\/clapps-favorite-pear\"\u003eClapp’s Favorite\u003c\/a\u003e, combining extreme cold hardiness with improved eating quality. The cultivar is officially zoned for the Ural region.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eRipening Period and Keeping Quality\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLarinskaya ripens in early September (approximately September 5–10 in South Ural conditions). Fruit can be stored until early November, giving a storage life of about 60 days, which is relatively long for a cold-hardy pear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTree Characteristics\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTrees are large and vigorous, reaching around 20 feet tall at maturity, with a moderately dense, irregular crown. On Ussurian seedling rootstock, trees typically begin bearing around year five.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eProductivity and Yield\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLarinskaya is described as consistently productive:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMature trees (around 10 years old) produced up to 46 kg per tree, or about 101 pounds per tree.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn South Ural trials from 2019–2022, average production was 18 kg per tree (about 40 pounds).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOrchard-scale yield was reported at 11.1 t\/ha, which converts to roughly 9,900 pounds per acre.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFruit Characteristics\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFruits are medium-sized, typically 110 g, with a maximum around 140 g (3.9–4.9 oz). Shape is short pear-shaped, often slightly uneven. Skin is green at harvest, turning light yellow when ripe, with many small gray dots. Flesh is cream-colored, dense, and juicy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFlavor and Eating Quality\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLarinskaya received a tasting score of 4.5 points on the standard Russian 5-point pomological scale, placing it in the “very good” dessert category for cold-hardy pears. In plain terms, Russian researchers consider this a pear that is genuinely good to eat, not just hardy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSugar and Acid Balance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLaboratory analysis reported:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e13.8% soluble solids\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e9.7% sugars\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.8% titratable acids\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTranslated into everyday language, this indicates a pear with real sweetness, balanced by enough acidity to keep the flavor bright, rather than bland.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLarinskaya is not self-fertile. Recommended pollenizers we have available are \u003ca href=\"\/products\/krazulya-pear\"\u003eKrazulya\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/vekovaya-pear\"\u003eVekovaya\u003c\/a\u003e, and to a lesser extent, although would still work, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/krasnobokaya-pear\"\u003eKrasnobokaya\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWinter Hardiness and Cold Climate Adaptation\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRussian research classifies Larinskaya as highly winter-hardy. In South Ural field trials, winters reaching approximately −40°F resulted in low levels of tissue damage, with good recovery and no structural failure. Combined with long-term success in Bozeman, Montana, this supports Larinskaya’s reputation as a reliable pear for extreme cold climates, suitable for Zone 2b–3 growers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDisease and Pest Resistance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOver multiple years of observation, Russian sources report no significant damage from pear scab or pear gall mite, and Larinskaya is described as resistant to bacterial fire blight, making it well suited to low-input and organic systems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Larinskaya Pear\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Larinskaya Pear need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Larinskaya Pear needs pollen from a different variety that blooms at about the same time. Larinskaya needs a pollenizer. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/vekovaya-pear\"\u003eVekovaya\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/krazulya-pear\"\u003eKrazulya\u003c\/a\u003e bloom at the same time and make good partners. Partners we carry include Krazulya Pear, Vekovaya Pear, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/danjou-pear\"\u003eD'Anjou Pear\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Larinskaya Pear?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Larinskaya Pear hardy to zone 2b, which means winters down to about -45°F. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Larinskaya Pear need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 800 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 600 and 1,200. Nobody has published a chill figure for it, so that's our estimate from its relatives and origin. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#larinskaya-pear\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow big does Larinskaya Pear get?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe graft Larinskaya Pear onto Ussurian (full size), which makes a tree roughly 20 to 30 ft tall if you never prune it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Larinskaya Pear good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Larinskaya Pear are fresh eating (8\/10), canning and freezing (6\/10), juice and sweet cider (6\/10), cooking and roasting (6\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Larinskaya Pear?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSometimes. Deer browse Larinskaya Pear now and then, so protect young plants where deer pressure is high.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat arrives, and when does Larinskaya Pear ship?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA dormant bare-root plant, roots wrapped in moist sawdust with a vapor barrier, shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring. Sizes offered: 2-3 ft or 3-5 ft. We guarantee our plants bud out. Stone fruits can be slow, so if one still has not budded out by August 15, write to us and we credit you for the following spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Ussurian Full Size: 2-3 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":45133798604866,"sku":null,"price":44.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Ussurian Full Size: 3-5 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":42500395302978,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/larinskaya-pear-fruit.png?v=1789020421"},{"product_id":"nova-pear","title":"Nova Pear (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Nova Pear is a pear tree rated hardy to zone 3 in our ratings (winters to -40°F), partially self-fertile, so a second variety nearby makes crops more dependable (bloom group 4 of 7, mid for a European pear), and it ripens about Sep 11 to Sep 21 in Missoula (picked and dated at our place in Missoula).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 3 to 8. A bare number means the whole of zone 3, colder half included (winters to -40°F). Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 800 hours (600 to 1,100). Our estimate. No published figure exists for this variety yet. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#nova-pear\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePartially Self-Fertile. Bloom group 4 of 7 (mid), mid spring here. Nova's introducer calls it self-fertile, but other growers hedge, so plant a second pear for dependable crops. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/flemish-beauty-pear\"\u003eFlemish Beauty\u003c\/a\u003e, Hudar or Ure are good partners. Nearby varieties that can boost the crop: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/w0cjbu6yrtjetw48n6ga9edg4vgxoe\"\u003eFlemish Beauty Pear\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/hudar-pear\"\u003eHudar Pear\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/ure-pear\"\u003eUre Pear\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/bartlett-pear\"\u003eBartlett Pear\u003c\/a\u003e and 29 more. Bloom group is our estimate from the variety's origin and relatives. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/pear-pollination-map\"\u003ePear Pollination Map\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRipens\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout Sep 11 to Sep 21 in Missoula (picked and dated off our own trees). Real years swing about a week either way. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/ripening-map\"\u003eSee the date for your town\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRootstock and size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOHxF87: semi-dwarf, about 14 to 19 ft tall unpruned. The most precocious OHxF stock. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/rootstocks\"\u003eOur rootstock guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFresh eating (8\/10), cooking and roasting (6\/10), winter storage (6\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSometimes damaged by deer.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root, 3-5 ft or 5-7 ft. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"286\" data-end=\"300\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"301\" data-end=\"592\"\u003eNova is a decently cold-hardy European pear introduced through St. Lawrence Nurseries and is widely regarded as one of the better fresh-eating pears available for colder climates. It is valued for its excellent fruit quality, precocity, and reliable performance where many dessert pears struggle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"594\" data-end=\"619\"\u003eHistory \u0026amp; Parentage\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"620\" data-end=\"902\"\u003eNova was introduced by St. Lawrence Nurseries and named by Bill MacKentley after his daughter, Nova. While the exact parentage is not formally documented in published breeding records, Nova has long circulated in cold-climate nursery trade based on performance rather than pedigree.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"904\" data-end=\"930\"\u003eFruit Quality \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"931\" data-end=\"1395\"\u003eNova produces large, round pears with melting, juicy flesh and good to excellent eating quality. It is considered among the best fresh-eating pears for cold regions. The fruit may be used either green or fully ripe, offering flexibility in harvest timing. Pears hang well on the tree and ripen around mid-September in the Bitterroot Valley, developing a yellow skin as they mature. Nova is also suitable for kitchen use, though it is primarily valued as a dessert pear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1397\" data-end=\"1425\"\u003eGrowth Habit \u0026amp; Spacing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1426\" data-end=\"1764\"\u003eTrees are described as low vigor, spreading, and precocious, making them well suited to smaller plantings and easier long-term management. Standard pear spacing applies depending on rootstock, but 15–20 ft is a practical range for semi-dwarf to standard systems, with wider spacing improving airflow and light penetration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1766\" data-end=\"1783\"\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1784\" data-end=\"2102\"\u003eNova is often described as self-fruitful, which is somewhat uncommon among European pears. Even so, fruit set and consistency are typically improved when planted with another pear that overlaps bloom. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/hudar-pear\"\u003eHudar\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/ure-pear\"\u003eUre\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/flemish-beauty-pear\"\u003eFlemish Beauty\u003c\/a\u003e, Golden Spice, or any of the Russian pairs would serve well as a pollenizer for Nova. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"2104\" data-end=\"2124\"\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2125\" data-end=\"2514\"\u003eSome list Nova as a zone 2 pear, although it is more likely zone3. We have obrserved Nova survive at -38F in Stevensville, MT without any winter injury and situated in a lower spot where frost settles more readily. That said, growers in Fairbanks have not had good success with Nova. Could work in eastern MT with appropriate site selection and frost drainage, but if your areas consistently drops below -40F, stick with the Russian varieties.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Nova Pear\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Nova Pear need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt helps. Nova Pear is partially self-fertile, so it can set some fruit alone, but a second variety nearby makes crops more dependable. Nova's introducer calls it self-fertile, but other growers hedge, so plant a second pear for dependable crops. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/flemish-beauty-pear\"\u003eFlemish Beauty\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/hudar-pear\"\u003eHudar\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/products\/ure-pear\"\u003eUre\u003c\/a\u003e are good partners. Partners we carry include Flemish Beauty Pear, Hudar Pear, Ure Pear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Nova Pear?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Nova Pear hardy to zone 3, which means winters down to about -40°F. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Nova Pear need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 800 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 600 and 1,100. Nobody has published a chill figure for it, so that's our estimate from its relatives and origin. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#nova-pear\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhen does Nova Pear ripen?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout Sep 11 to Sep 21 in Missoula, Montana (picked and dated off our own trees). Warmer places run earlier and cooler places later; our ripening map converts the date to your town.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow big does Nova Pear get?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe graft Nova Pear onto OHxF87 (semi-dwarf), which makes a tree roughly 14 to 19 ft tall if you never prune it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Nova Pear good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Nova Pear are fresh eating (8\/10), cooking and roasting (6\/10), winter storage (6\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Nova Pear?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSometimes. Deer browse Nova Pear now and then, so protect young plants where deer pressure is high.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"OHxF87 Semi-Dwarf: 3-5 ft.","offer_id":45134310178882,"sku":null,"price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"OHxF87 Semi-Dwarf: 3-5 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":45134310244418,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"OHxF87 Semi-Dwarf: 5-7 ft.","offer_id":45134310211650,"sku":null,"price":69.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"OHxF87 Semi-Dwarf: 5-7 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":42503112065090,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/nova-pear-on-tree.jpg?v=1789020680"},{"product_id":"waterville-pear","title":"Waterville Pear (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Waterville Pear is a pear tree rated hardy to zone 3 in our ratings (winters to -40°F), not self-fertile, so it needs a different variety nearby as a pollenizer (bloom group 4 of 7, mid for a European pear), and it ripens about Sep 15 to Sep 27 in Missoula (picked and dated at our place in Missoula).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 3 to 8. A bare number means the whole of zone 3, colder half included (winters to -40°F). Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 800 hours (600 to 1,100). Our estimate. No published figure exists for this variety yet. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#waterville-pear\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNeeds Cross-Pollination. Bloom group 4 of 7 (mid), mid spring here. Waterville is not self-fertile. Bartlett, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/flemish-beauty-pear\"\u003eFlemish Beauty\u003c\/a\u003e, Karl's Favorite or Seckel make good partners, but do not rely on Bartlett and Seckel to pollenize each other. Good partners we carry: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/bartlett-pear\"\u003eBartlett Pear\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/w0cjbu6yrtjetw48n6ga9edg4vgxoe\"\u003eFlemish Beauty Pear\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/seckel-pear\"\u003eSeckel Pear\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/karls-favorite-pear\"\u003eKarl's Favorite Pear\u003c\/a\u003e and 29 more. Bloom group is our estimate from the variety's origin and relatives. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/pear-pollination-map\"\u003ePear Pollination Map\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRipens\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout Sep 15 to Sep 27 in Missoula (picked and dated off our own trees). Real years swing about a week either way. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/ripening-map\"\u003eSee the date for your town\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRootstock and size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOHxF 87: semi-dwarf, about 14 to 19 ft tall unpruned. The most precocious OHxF stock. Pyrus communis: full size, about 18 to 25 ft tall unpruned. European pear seedling. Plant about 20 ft apart. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/rootstocks\"\u003eOur rootstock guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFresh eating (8\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSometimes damaged by deer.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root, 2-4 ft or 4-6 ft or 3-5 ft or 5-7 ft. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWaterville is a fairly cold-climated adapted European pear (\u003cem\u003ePyrus communis\u003c\/em\u003e) originally associated with Waterville, Vermont, known for producing large, very juicy fruit with notably sweet flavor and a bit of classic “European pear” texture (slightly coarse).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOrigin and History\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWaterville is a\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003elocal Vermont pear—discovered\/rediscovered in Waterville, VT and then introduced more widely through Elmore Roots Nursery. Parentage is not documented in the sources describing the variety.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFruit \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFruit size \u0026amp; texture:\u003c\/strong\u003e Large; very juicy; sweet; often described as slightly coarse-textured (not uncommon in hardy dessert pears).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFlavor:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sweet, good dessert quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeason:\u003c\/strong\u003e The pears come on mid-late September in the Bitterroot Valley, MT.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUses:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fresh eating, but also noted as good in tarts, although we never tried Waterville in a tart.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowth Habit\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWaterville is very vigorous and benefits from training\/spreading limbs early rather than heavy pruning right out of the gate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSpacing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur 2027 Waterville pears are grafted onto standard, Pyrus communis rootstock (these are actually one year older as they were grafted in 2025 and grew out for two years), are full vigor, and should be spaced about 20 ft. apart. We also have Waterville pears that we bench grafted onto OHxF 87 semi-dwarf (75% standard) in Spring 2026. OHxF will be less vigorous than P. communis and can be planted 15 ft. apart. Can be spaced closer for a more rigorous pruning regiment or further apart in a less managed situation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLike most pears, Waterville is not self-fertile and needs a pollenzer, i.e. another variety for pollination.Examples of what we offer that will serve as a pollination partner include \u003ca href=\"\/products\/bartlett-pear\"\u003eBartlett\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/flemish-beauty-pear\"\u003eFlemish Beauty\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/karls-favorite-pear\"\u003eKarl's Favorite\u003c\/a\u003e, Johantorp, and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/seckel-pear\"\u003eSeckel\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn our experience in Montana, Waterville pear has been surviving in a fairly cold spot in the Bitterroot—particularly Stevensville, MT—and the tree experienced -38°F on 1\/13\/24 without showing any signs of winter injury. It very well may survive colder than -40°F, but we simply do not have that data yet. As such, we are listing Waterville as a solid Zone 3a pear based on our experience in Montana.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Waterville Pear\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Waterville Pear need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Waterville Pear needs pollen from a different variety that blooms at about the same time. Waterville is not self-fertile. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/bartlett-pear\"\u003eBartlett\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/flemish-beauty-pear\"\u003eFlemish Beauty\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/karls-favorite-pear\"\u003eKarl's Favorite\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/products\/seckel-pear\"\u003eSeckel\u003c\/a\u003e make good partners, but do not rely on Bartlett and Seckel to pollenize each other. Partners we carry include Bartlett Pear, Flemish Beauty Pear, Seckel Pear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Waterville Pear?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Waterville Pear hardy to zone 3, which means winters down to about -40°F. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Waterville Pear need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 800 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 600 and 1,100. Nobody has published a chill figure for it, so that's our estimate from its relatives and origin. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#waterville-pear\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhen does Waterville Pear ripen?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout Sep 15 to Sep 27 in Missoula, Montana (picked and dated off our own trees). Warmer places run earlier and cooler places later; our ripening map converts the date to your town.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow big does Waterville Pear get?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe graft Waterville Pear onto OHxF 87 (semi-dwarf), which makes a tree roughly 14 to 19 ft tall if you never prune it. Some sizes are on Pyrus communis. Plant about 20 ft apart.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Waterville Pear good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Waterville Pear are fresh eating (8\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Waterville Pear?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSometimes. Deer browse Waterville Pear now and then, so protect young plants where deer pressure is high.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"OHxF 87 Semi-Dwarf: 2-4 ft.","offer_id":45144067506242,"sku":null,"price":39.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"OHxF 87 Semi-Dwarf: 4-6 ft.","offer_id":45144067539010,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Pyrus communis Full Size: 3-5 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":42511158607938,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Pyrus communis Full Size: 5-7 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":45144067571778,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/waterville-pear-in-hand.jpg?v=1789021309"},{"product_id":"savignac-pear","title":"Savignac Pear (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Savignac Pear is a pear tree rated hardy to zone 3 in our ratings (winters to -40°F), not self-fertile, so it needs a different variety nearby as a pollenizer (bloom group 3 of 7, early-mid for a European pear), and it ripens about Sep 15 to Sep 23 in Missoula (our Missoula estimate).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 3 to 8. A bare number means the whole of zone 3, colder half included (winters to -40°F). Our notes have it taking -38°F. Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 800 hours (600 to 1,100). Our estimate. No published figure exists for this variety yet. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#savignac-pear\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNeeds Cross-Pollination. Bloom group 3 of 7 (early-mid), mid spring here. Savignac needs another pear to fruit. Ure is the partner its Quebec nursery recommends, and Summercrisp should overlap as well. Good partners we carry: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/ure-pear\"\u003eUre Pear\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/danjou-pear\"\u003eD'Anjou Pear\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/stuttgarter-gaishirtle-pear\"\u003eStuttgarter Gaishirtle Pear\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/summercrisp-pear\"\u003eSummercrisp Pear\u003c\/a\u003e and 25 more. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/pear-pollination-map\"\u003ePear Pollination Map\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRipens\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout Sep 15 to Sep 23 in Missoula (a Missoula estimate from published sources). Real years swing about a week either way. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/ripening-map\"\u003eSee the date for your town\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRootstock and size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOHxF 87: semi-dwarf, about 14 to 19 ft tall unpruned. The most precocious OHxF stock. Plant 18 to 22 ft apart. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/rootstocks\"\u003eOur rootstock guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFresh eating (7\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSometimes damaged by deer.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root, 3-4 ft or 2-4 ft or 4-6 ft. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"12\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"13\" data-end=\"319\"\u003eSavignac is a decently cold climate adapted European pear (Pyrus communis) selected in Québec, grown for reliable cropping and genuinely good fresh-eating quality in short-season climates. The fruit is typically sweet, juicy, and aromatic, and it performs best when harvested firm and finished (ripened) off the tree.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"321\" data-end=\"341\"\u003eOrigin \u0026amp; History\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"342\" data-end=\"660\"\u003eSavignac is reported as having been found\/selected in Québec (often specified as Abbé Savignac, Abitibi). Parentage has not been reliably published in accessible primary references (it is generally treated as a chance seedling\/selection rather than a documented cross), so we are not assigning a cross or parents here.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"662\" data-end=\"678\"\u003eFruit \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"679\" data-end=\"1103\"\u003eSavignac is a small-to-medium, rounder pear with green to green-yellow skin and white flesh, notable for sweetness, juiciness, aroma, and relatively low grit. It is best picked while still firm\/green and ripened on the counter for peak texture and flavor. In addition to fresh eating, it works well for cooking and preserves, but it is generally a shorter-keeper (think weeks, not months).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1105\" data-end=\"1121\"\u003eGrowth Habit \u0026amp; Spacing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1122\" data-end=\"1394\"\u003eSavignac is vigorous, productive, and generally “grower-friendly.” Some growers note a spreading tendency and low-to-medium vigor depending on site, rootstock, and training, but the consistent theme is that it bears and produces reliably for a hardy pear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1566\" data-end=\"1972\"\u003eWe currently offers Savignac on Pyrus communis full-size rootstock. For full-size European pear rootstock, a practical baseline is 18–22 feet between trees, with the tighter end achievable only if you plan to prune annually and keep the canopy narrow. If you intend minimal pruning and have richer soils or irrigation, plan closer to the wider end. A person could go even tighter than 18 ft. and prune annually, although areas that have longer growing season, deeper soils, etc., may need to do Spring and Summer pruning on P. communis rootstock for spacing tighter than 18 ft. apart.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1974\" data-end=\"2230\"\u003ePollination \u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2231\" data-end=\"3171\"\u003eLike most pears, Savignac is not self-fertile and needs a pollenizer. It is a European pear in the communis pollination group, meaning it should be paired with another European pear. Partners for Savignac that we offer include \u003ca href=\"\/products\/flemish-beauty-pear\"\u003eFlemish Beauty\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/nova-pear\"\u003eNova\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/giffard-pear\"\u003eGiffard\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/seckel-pear\"\u003eSeckel\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/bartlett-pear\"\u003eBartlett\u003c\/a\u003e, and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/stuttgarter-gaishirtle-pear\"\u003eStuttgarter Gaishirtle\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"3173\" data-end=\"3325\"\u003eCold Hardiness \u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3326\" data-end=\"3714\"\u003eSavignac is consistently treated as a hardy pear in cold-climate circles (commonly placed around zone 3b and sometimes discussed as zone 2 class by growers). In terms of our experience, it has survived -38F in Stevensville, MT from an arctic blast on 1\/13\/24 without sustaining any winter injury. As such we are listing it as hardy to zone 3a until we have more data to confirm it surviving colder temps.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"3716\" data-end=\"3827\"\u003eOther Notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3828\" data-end=\"4394\"\u003eSavignac is a “pick firm, ripen off-tree” pear: harvesting it while still green\/firm and allowing it to finish on the counter is the way to get its best eating quality. Savignac is also repeatedly described as disease-resistant in nursery and grower write-ups; however, those sources typically do not specify which diseases or provide trial data, so we are keeping that claim general rather than naming specific resistances without published evidence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Savignac Pear\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Savignac Pear need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Savignac Pear needs pollen from a different variety that blooms at about the same time. Savignac needs another pear to fruit. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/ure-pear\"\u003eUre\u003c\/a\u003e is the partner its Quebec nursery recommends, and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/summercrisp-pear\"\u003eSummercrisp\u003c\/a\u003e should overlap as well. Partners we carry include Ure Pear, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/danjou-pear\"\u003eD'Anjou Pear\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/stuttgarter-gaishirtle-pear\"\u003eStuttgarter Gaishirtle Pear\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Savignac Pear?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Savignac Pear hardy to zone 3, which means winters down to about -40°F. Our notes have it taking -38°F. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Savignac Pear need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 800 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 600 and 1,100. Nobody has published a chill figure for it, so that's our estimate from its relatives and origin. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#savignac-pear\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhen does Savignac Pear ripen?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout Sep 15 to Sep 23 in Missoula, Montana (an estimate built from published sources and our climate). Warmer places run earlier and cooler places later; our ripening map converts the date to your town.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow big does Savignac Pear get?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe graft Savignac Pear onto OHxF 87 (semi-dwarf), which makes a tree roughly 14 to 19 ft tall if you never prune it. Plant 18 to 22 ft apart.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Savignac Pear good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Savignac Pear are fresh eating (7\/10).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Savignac Pear?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSometimes. Deer browse Savignac Pear now and then, so protect young plants where deer pressure is high.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"OHxF 87 Semi-Dwarf: 3-4 ft.","offer_id":45134553940034,"sku":null,"price":44.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"OHxF 87 Semi-Dwarf: 2-4 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":42504543305794,"sku":null,"price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"OHxF 87 Semi-Dwarf: 4-6 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":45134553972802,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"OHxF 87 Semi-Dwarf: 4-6 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":45134554005570,"sku":null,"price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/savignac-pear-on-tree.jpg?v=1789021038"},{"product_id":"bulgaria-pear","title":"Bulgaria Pear (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bulgaria Pear is a pear tree rated hardy to zone 2 from St. Lawrence Nurseries' rating (winters to -50°F), and not self-fertile, so it needs a different variety nearby as a pollenizer (bloom group 4 of 7, mid for a European pear).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 2 to 8. A bare number means the whole of zone 2, colder half included (winters to -50°F). Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 800 hours (600 to 1,100). Our estimate. No published figure exists for this variety yet. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#bulgaria-pear\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNeeds Cross-Pollination. Bloom group 4 of 7 (mid), mid spring here. We haven't found published bloom data for Bulgaria, so plan on a second pear nearby. A Bartlett-season pear is the safest match until its bloom time is recorded. Good partners we carry: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/bartlett-pear\"\u003eBartlett Pear\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/dana-hovey-pear\"\u003eDana Hovey Pear\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/w0cjbu6yrtjetw48n6ga9edg4vgxoe\"\u003eFlemish Beauty Pear\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/honeysweet-pear\"\u003eHoneysweet Pear\u003c\/a\u003e and 29 more. Bloom group is our estimate from the variety's origin and relatives. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/pear-pollination-map\"\u003ePear Pollination Map\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRootstock and size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUssurian: full size, about 20 to 30 ft tall unpruned. The hardiest pear species there is. Plant 18 to 20 ft apart. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/rootstocks\"\u003eOur rootstock guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFresh eating (7\/10). Scores are our 1 to 10 ratings, but we're still new to this one, so they lean on published descriptions and other growers rather than our own harvests. 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSometimes damaged by deer.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root, 3-5 ft. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThis is our first year growing Bulgaria, so everything below is secondhand until we get more long-term data from our own mother trees.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBulgaria is a very hardy pear that St. Lawrence Nurseries rates to -50F or colder. Despite the name, St. Lawrence lists it as a Russian release.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOrigin and History\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAccording to St. Lawrence Nurseries, Bulgaria is a release from the South-Ural Research Institute of Fruit and Vegetable Growing in Russia and \"a newcomer to the United States.\" St. Lawrence says less is known about this one, and we haven't found anything else published on it, including its parentage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFruit and Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSt. Lawrence describes the fruit as green with a red blush, ripening in early September around the same time as \u003ca href=\"\/products\/bolshaya-pear\"\u003eBolshaya\u003c\/a\u003e, and says it's \"described as an excellent eating pear.\" That's about all that's been published on the fruit so far, so we'll add our own notes once our trees start bearing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowth Habit and Spacing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOurs are grafted onto Ussurian pear, a full size rootstock that's hardy to -50F or more. Plan on 18 to 20 feet between trees, or a bit closer if you'll prune every year to keep the canopy narrow.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBulgaria needs a pollenizer. We haven't found published bloom data for it, and we've estimated it as a mid-season bloomer. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/nova-pear\"\u003eNova\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/flemish-beauty-pear\"\u003eFlemish Beauty\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/hudar-pear\"\u003eHudar\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/frost-pear\"\u003eFrost\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/waterville-pear\"\u003eWaterville\u003c\/a\u003e all bloom mid-season, though none of them are rated quite as hardy as Bulgaria.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSt. Lawrence Nurseries rates Bulgaria to -50F or colder, which is zone 2 on our scale, and that's where we've listed it. Since it's new to the US and St. Lawrence says less is known about it, we'll keep a close eye on how ours handle Montana winters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:12px;color:#777;margin-top:24px\"\u003eAbout the photo: this isn’t Bulgaria itself. Photos of Bulgaria are either under copyright or simply unavailable, so we picked the open-source image that looks closest to the fruit. Photo: “Kopie van pistoolpeer 1” by Steve beurms, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Kopie_van_pistoolpeer_1.JPG\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eWikimedia Commons\u003c\/a\u003e, licensed \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/3.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eCC BY-SA 3.0\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Bulgaria Pear\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Bulgaria Pear need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Bulgaria Pear needs pollen from a different variety that blooms at about the same time. We haven't found published bloom data for it, so plan on a second pear nearby. A \u003ca href=\"\/products\/bartlett-pear\"\u003eBartlett\u003c\/a\u003e-season pear is the safest match until its bloom time is recorded. Partners we carry include Bartlett Pear, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/dana-hovey-pear\"\u003eDana Hovey Pear\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/flemish-beauty-pear\"\u003eFlemish Beauty Pear\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Bulgaria Pear?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe list Bulgaria Pear at zone 2, which means winters down to about -50°F. That comes from St. Lawrence Nurseries, which rates it to -50°F or colder, not from our own winters yet. We'll keep a close eye on how ours handle Montana winters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Bulgaria Pear need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 800 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 600 and 1,100. Nobody has published a chill figure for it, so that's our estimate from its relatives and origin. Origin isn't well documented, so this is an estimate based on typical European pears (about 800 hours). Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#bulgaria-pear\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow big does Bulgaria Pear get?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe graft Bulgaria Pear onto Ussurian (full size), which makes a tree roughly 20 to 30 ft tall if you never prune it. Plant 18 to 20 ft apart.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Bulgaria Pear good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Bulgaria Pear are fresh eating (7\/10). Since we're still new to it, that score leans on St. Lawrence's description rather than our own harvests.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Bulgaria Pear?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSometimes. Deer browse Bulgaria Pear now and then, so protect young plants where deer pressure is high.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat arrives, and when does Bulgaria Pear ship?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA dormant bare-root plant, roots wrapped in moist sawdust with a vapor barrier, shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring. Sizes offered: 3-5 ft. We guarantee our plants bud out. Stone fruits can be slow, so if one still has not budded out by August 15, write to us and we credit you for the following spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Ussurian Full Size: 3-5 ft.","offer_id":45178185351234,"sku":null,"price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/bulgaria-pear-representative.jpg?v=1791615297"},{"product_id":"clara-frijs-pear","title":"Clara Frijs Pear (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Clara Frijs Pear is a pear tree rated hardy to zone 3b from Bob Purvis's reports (winters to -35°F), and not self-fertile, so it needs a different variety nearby as a pollenizer (bloom group 5 of 7, mid-late for a European pear).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 3b to 8. The b means the warmer half of zone 3 only (winters to -35°F). Bob Purvis reports flower buds hardy to at least -34°F. Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 800 hours (600 to 1,000). Our estimate. No published figure exists for this variety yet. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#clara-frijs-pear\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNeeds Cross-Pollination. Bloom group 5 of 7 (mid-late), mid spring here. Clara Frijs needs a second pear. It blooms a couple of days after \u003ca href=\"\/products\/bartlett-pear\"\u003eBartlett\u003c\/a\u003e, so Clapp's Favorite or Bartlett give the best overlap. Good partners we carry: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/clapps-favorite-pear\"\u003eClapp's Favorite Pear\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/cold-snap-pear\"\u003eCold Snap® Pear\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/concorde-pear\"\u003eConcorde Pear\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/golden-russett-bosc\"\u003eGolden Russet Bosc Pear\u003c\/a\u003e and 17 more. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/pear-pollination-map\"\u003ePear Pollination Map\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRootstock and size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOHxF 87: semi-dwarf, about 14 to 19 ft tall unpruned. The most precocious OHxF stock. Plant about 15 ft apart. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/rootstocks\"\u003eOur rootstock guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFresh eating (8\/10), juice and sweet cider (6\/10). Scores are our 1 to 10 ratings, but we're still new to this one, so they lean on published descriptions and other growers rather than our own harvests. 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSometimes damaged by deer.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root, 3-5 ft or 5-7 ft. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThis is our first year growing Clara Frijs, so everything below is secondhand until we get more long-term data from our own mother trees.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eClara Frijs is a Danish summer pear with a reputation for flavor. Fedco quotes grower Mark Fulford, who says it's the \"most like nectar\" of the 40 pear varieties he's grown, and Bob Purvis describes the flavor as \"a cross of honey with vanilla.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOrigin and History\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe full name is Comtesse Clara Frijs. According to Fedco, it was first described in 1858 by J.A. Bentzien in the Danish garden journal Dansk Haugetidende and is thought to come from the village of Skensved. The Danish pomology Danmarks Frugtsorter (1955) also gives Skensved, before 1858, and calls it a major variety in Denmark. Hedrick included it in The Pears of New York (1921).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFruit and Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHedrick's entry is short: \"Fruit medium to large, pale yellow, dotted; flesh white, melting, juicy, sugary, perfumed; good; Aug.\" Fedco adds that it's a warm yellow-green with a rather thick skin, sometimes a slight pink blush, and covered in tiny gray dots, with buttery, aromatic flesh that's \"firm but not crisp\" and has no grit cells. It's a summer pear that ripens well off the tree, and Fedco says it keeps about a month. This is a dessert pear, and Purvis notes it's been very popular at a farmers' market in southwest Minnesota.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowth Habit and Spacing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOurs are on OHxF 87 semi-dwarf rootstock, which runs about 75% the size of a full size pear. Plan on about 15 feet between trees, 12 feet if you're committed to pruning, or up to 18 feet for more room. Purvis says the tree is very productive, and Fedco calls it a \"solid rugged hardy tree.\" We haven't found good data on how it handles fire blight, so don't count on resistance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlant it with another pear. Fedco recommends a second variety for best pollination. It blooms mid to mid-late, so pair it with \u003ca href=\"\/products\/clapps-favorite-pear\"\u003eClapp's Favorite\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/concorde-pear\"\u003eConcorde\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/cold-snap-pear\"\u003eCold Snap\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/golden-russett-bosc\"\u003eGolden Russet Bosc\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/harrow-sweet-pear\"\u003eHarrow Sweet\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/products\/ubileen-pear\"\u003eUbileen\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBob Purvis reports flower buds hardy to at least -34F in southwest Minnesota. That's a documented number, and it puts Clara Frijs right at our zone 3b line (-35F). Fedco rates it zone 4.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:12px;color:#777;margin-top:24px\"\u003eImage credit: chromolithograph of the ‘Comtesse Clara Frijs’ pear by Henriette Sjöberg (1842 to 1915), via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Comtesse_Clara_Frijs_H_Sj%C3%B6berg.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eWikimedia Commons\u003c\/a\u003e, public domain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:12px;color:#777;margin-top:24px\"\u003ePhoto: “Clara Frijs Skjensvedpaere” by Bahnmoeller, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Clara_Frijs_Skjensvedpaere.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eWikimedia Commons\u003c\/a\u003e, licensed \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/3.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eCC BY-SA 3.0\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Clara Frijs Pear\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Clara Frijs Pear need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Clara Frijs Pear needs pollen from a different variety that blooms at about the same time. It blooms a couple of days after \u003ca href=\"\/products\/bartlett-pear\"\u003eBartlett\u003c\/a\u003e, so \u003ca href=\"\/products\/clapps-favorite-pear\"\u003eClapp's Favorite\u003c\/a\u003e or Bartlett give the best overlap. Partners we carry include Clapp's Favorite Pear, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/cold-snap-pear\"\u003eCold Snap\u003c\/a\u003e® Pear, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/concorde-pear\"\u003eConcorde Pear\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Clara Frijs Pear?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe list Clara Frijs Pear at zone 3b, which means winters down to about -35°F. That comes from Bob Purvis, who reports flower buds hardy to at least -34°F in southwest Minnesota, not from our own winters yet. We'll update it once we've wintered our own trees.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Clara Frijs Pear need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 800 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 600 and 1,000. Nobody has published a chill figure for it, so that's our estimate from its relatives and origin. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#clara-frijs-pear\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow big does Clara Frijs Pear get?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe graft Clara Frijs Pear onto OHxF 87 (semi-dwarf), which makes a tree roughly 14 to 19 ft tall if you never prune it. Plant about 15 ft apart.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Clara Frijs Pear good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Clara Frijs Pear are fresh eating (8\/10), juice and sweet cider (6\/10). Since we're still new to it, those scores lean on published descriptions and other growers rather than our own harvests. Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Clara Frijs Pear?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSometimes. Deer browse Clara Frijs Pear now and then, so protect young plants where deer pressure is high.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat arrives, and when does Clara Frijs Pear ship?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA dormant bare-root plant, roots wrapped in moist sawdust with a vapor barrier, shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring. Sizes offered: 3-5 ft or 5-7 ft. We guarantee our plants bud out. Stone fruits can be slow, so if one still has not budded out by August 15, write to us and we credit you for the following spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"OHxF 87 Semi-Dwarf: 3-5 ft.","offer_id":45178207109186,"sku":null,"price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"OHxF 87 Semi-Dwarf: 5-7 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":45178207141954,"sku":null,"price":69.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/clara-frijs-pears-basket.jpg?v=1791615288"},{"product_id":"honeysweet-pear","title":"Honeysweet Pear (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Honeysweet Pear is a pear tree rated hardy to zone 4 from other growers' reports (winters to -30°F), self-fertile, so one tree can crop (bloom group 4 of 7, mid for a European pear), and it ripens about Sep 4 to Sep 12 in Missoula (our Missoula estimate).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 4 to 7. A bare number means the whole of zone 4, colder half included (winters to -30°F). Bob Purvis reports it hardy to at least -35°F. Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 1,200 hours (700 to 1,500). From published figures. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#honeysweet-pear\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSelf-Fertile. Bloom group 4 of 7 (mid), mid spring here. Honeysweet is self-fertile and can crop alone, but another pear that blooms with it, such as Bartlett or Seckel, will improve the crop. Nearby varieties that can boost the crop: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/bartlett-pear\"\u003eBartlett Pear\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/dana-hovey-pear\"\u003eDana Hovey Pear\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/w0cjbu6yrtjetw48n6ga9edg4vgxoe\"\u003eFlemish Beauty Pear\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/seckel-pear\"\u003eSeckel Pear\u003c\/a\u003e and 29 more. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/pear-pollination-map\"\u003ePear Pollination Map\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRipens\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout Sep 4 to Sep 12 in Missoula (a Missoula estimate from published sources). Real years swing about a week either way. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/ripening-map\"\u003eSee the date for your town\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRootstock and size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOHxF 87: semi-dwarf, about 14 to 19 ft tall unpruned. The most precocious OHxF stock. Plant about 15 ft apart. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/rootstocks\"\u003eOur rootstock guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFresh eating (8\/10). Scores are our 1 to 10 ratings, but we're still new to this one, so they lean on published descriptions and other growers rather than our own harvests. 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSometimes damaged by deer.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root, 3-5 ft. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThis is our first year growing Honeysweet, so everything below is secondhand until we get more long-term data from our own mother trees.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHoneysweet is a \u003ca href=\"\/products\/seckel-pear\"\u003eSeckel\u003c\/a\u003e-type pear from Purdue, bigger than Seckel with the same rich, very sweet flavor, and it has good fire blight resistance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOrigin and History\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAccording to its plant patent (Jules Janick, Purdue Research Foundation, 1979), it came from a 1955 cross of Seckel and a selection called US 220, made by L.F. Hough at Rutgers. The seedlings were planted at Purdue in 1956 and screened for fire blight, and a few were lost to severe winters along the way. This one first fruited in 1967 and was picked out in 1969. US 220 is itself a cross of \u003ca href=\"\/products\/vermont-beauty-pear\"\u003eVermont Beauty\u003c\/a\u003e and Roi Charles de Wurtemberg, so Vermont Beauty is a grandparent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFruit and Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe patent describes fruit about 2¼ to 2½ inches across that ripens to a golden russet, with flesh that's \"very smooth and buttery with no detectable grit.\" The flavor \"is rich, very sweet, and resembles 'Seckel.'\" Bob Purvis says it's larger and keeps better than Seckel. It ripens about a week after \u003ca href=\"\/products\/bartlett-pear\"\u003eBartlett\u003c\/a\u003e. Purvis has it ripe around September 4 in east-central Minnesota. Cummins says it stores one to three months and lists it for fresh eating and canning.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowth Habit and Spacing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOurs are on OHxF 87 semi-dwarf rootstock, which runs about 75% the size of a full size pear. Plan on about 15 feet between trees, 12 feet if you're committed to pruning, or up to 18 feet for more room. The tree is spreading, and Cummins says it bears in four to six years. On fire blight, the patent says \"the tree takes fireblight but strikes typically cork-off in 1 or 2 year old wood,\" and rates it at least as resistant as Kieffer. The patent also notes it holds its leaves without spraying for leaf spot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHoneysweet can set fruit alone. The patent says it sets fruit without a pollenizer, but the pears are smaller, so you'll get bigger fruit with another variety nearby. Its pollen is fertile, so it's a good pollenizer for other pears too. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/harrow-sweet-pear\"\u003eHarrow Sweet\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/flemish-beauty-pear\"\u003eFlemish Beauty\u003c\/a\u003e, Vermont Beauty, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/ubileen-pear\"\u003eUbileen\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/waterville-pear\"\u003eWaterville\u003c\/a\u003e all bloom in its window.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBob Purvis reports Honeysweet hardy to at least -35F, which supports our zone 4 listing with a little room to spare. Cummins is more cautious and rates it zone 5.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:12px;color:#777;margin-top:24px\"\u003eRepresentative illustration, not Honeysweet itself: Seckel, Honeysweet's parent. Honeysweet is larger and ripens to a golden russet. Illustration: “Seckel” by J. Marion Shull, USDA Pomological Watercolor Collection, Rare and Special Collections, National Agricultural Library (\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/hdl.handle.net\/10113\/POM00007296\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003ePOM00007296\u003c\/a\u003e). Public domain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:12px;color:#777;margin-top:24px\"\u003eAbout the photo: this isn’t Honeysweet itself. Photos of Honeysweet are either under copyright or simply unavailable, so we picked the open-source image that looks closest to the fruit. Photo: “Seckel Pears” by Mike Licht, NotionsCapital.com, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/9106303@N05\/10786231434\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eFlickr\u003c\/a\u003e, licensed \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/2.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eCC BY 2.0\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Honeysweet Pear\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Honeysweet Pear need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. Honeysweet Pear is self-fertile, so a single tree can set fruit, but another pear that blooms with it, such as \u003ca href=\"\/products\/bartlett-pear\"\u003eBartlett\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/products\/seckel-pear\"\u003eSeckel\u003c\/a\u003e, will give bigger fruit and a better crop. Partners we carry include Bartlett Pear, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/dana-hovey-pear\"\u003eDana Hovey Pear\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/flemish-beauty-pear\"\u003eFlemish Beauty Pear\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Honeysweet Pear?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe list Honeysweet Pear at zone 4, which means winters down to about -30°F. That comes from Bob Purvis, who reports it hardy to at least -35°F, not from our own winters yet. Cummins is more cautious and rates it zone 5. We'll update it once we've wintered our own trees.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Honeysweet Pear need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 1,200 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 700 and 1,500. That comes from published figures for this variety. Stark lists 1,200 to 1,500 chill hours, high for a pear. Fine in cold-winter country, but not for mild-winter areas. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#honeysweet-pear\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhen does Honeysweet Pear ripen?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout Sep 4 to Sep 12 in Missoula, Montana (an estimate built from published sources and our climate). Warmer places run earlier and cooler places later; our ripening map converts the date to your town.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow big does Honeysweet Pear get?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe graft Honeysweet Pear onto OHxF 87 (semi-dwarf), which makes a tree roughly 14 to 19 ft tall if you never prune it. Plant about 15 ft apart.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Honeysweet Pear good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Honeysweet Pear are fresh eating (8\/10). Since we're still new to it, that score leans on the patent and Purvis's notes rather than our own harvests. Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Honeysweet Pear?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSometimes. Deer browse Honeysweet Pear now and then, so protect young plants where deer pressure is high.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"OHxF 87 Semi-Dwarf: 3-5 ft.","offer_id":45178277167170,"sku":null,"price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/golden-russet-seckel-pears.jpg?v=1791615560"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.montanafruittrees.com\/collections\/mid-season-pear-trees.oembed","provider":"Montana Fruit Trees","version":"1.0","type":"link"}