Douglas Pear Seedlings (Bundle of 5)

Seedlings of the famous Douglas Pear! These seedlings are small (less than 6"), but due to the flavor, hardiness, size, beauty, and disease resistance of Douglas, these seedlings could produce some good pears, especially considering that the mother Douglas tree from which these seeds derive were in proximity to very good culinary Europeann pears such as Dana's Hovey, Clara Frijs, Seckel, and others. But do note that these seedlings will NOT ultimately create a tree that will produce Douglas pears. Below is a description of Douglas Pear. We'll link to a historic archive of Douglas pear here from which the quotes below of famed pomologists and plant breeders (Burbank, Stark, etc.) discuss Douglas pear.

Overview

Douglas Pear is a late-ripening European pear that originated in Kansas and named for the county in which it was first discovered. It gained early attention not only for its fruit quality, but for its combination of productivity, disease tolerance, and adaptability. The pear attracted commentary from several prominent horticultural figures of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, who recognized its potential well beyond its place of origin.

Luther Burbank, speaking personally to Mr. Griesa about the quality of the Douglas Pear, noted that while he did not consider its quality quite equal to the best California Bartlett, “it takes a mighty good pear to beat that,” and that the Douglas possessed enough favorable qualities to make it “the standard pear of the future.” S. J. Hunter, Professor of Entomology at the University of Kansas, observed that although the Douglas resembled Kieffer in shape and color, it differed markedly in texture and flavor, describing it as almost as good as Bartlett and remarkable for the complete absence of the woody core often found in Kieffer pears. He also noted its unusually late ripening season.

Additional growers echoed these observations. L. C. Stark of Louisiana, Missouri reported being pleased with the Douglas, describing it as good to eat with unusual qualities. A. G. Mathers of Prairie View, Illinois noted exceptional disease tolerance, reporting that during a severe blight year, nearby trees were badly affected while the Douglas showed no blight. His young trees produced nine large pears averaging seven ounces each, with fine quality.

Growth Habit & Spacing

Douglas Pear develops a moderately vigorous, upright to spreading growth habit typical of European pears. Trees form strong framework branches and respond well to structural pruning. At maturity, trees commonly reach 15–20 feet in height and width depending on rootstock and management (for these seedlings pears, they will be larger than that). For orchard or landscape plantings, space trees approximately 15–20 feet apart to allow for good light penetration, airflow, and long-term canopy development.

Fruit Quality & Uses

The fruit of Douglas Pear is medium to large, with classic pear shape and green to yellow skin when ripe. The flesh is fine-textured, juicy, and sweet, with noticeably better eating quality than many pears grown primarily for toughness or storage. Its lack of woody core, even when fully ripe, sets it apart from Kieffer-type pears. Douglas is well suited for fresh eating, slicing, and dessert use, and can also be used for canning when harvested slightly firm.

Cold Hardiness

Douglas Pear is well adapted to colder climates and has demonstrated good winter hardiness and disease tolerance in the Midwest and northern regions. It is generally considered hardy into Zone 4. Its late ripening habit helps avoid some early-season stresses, and historical observations suggest a notable resistance to fire blight compared to many other European pears, particularly under challenging growing conditions.