Information on a Keifer Pear Tree's Growth

Kiefer pear trees produce fruit later in the fall than most types of pear trees.

While slow to grow, Kiefer pear trees produce large yellow fruit for many years after becoming established. The hybrid of European and Chinese pears tolerates a variety of soil conditions and climates, including hot conditions that can kill other types of pear trees.

Fundamentals

Kiefer pear trees, also known as Pyrus communis and sometimes spelled as Kieffer, produce a crisp and juicy fruit with a coarse-textured pulp that makes it best used in canning and baking rather than eating raw, according to the National Arbor Day Foundation's tree guide website. Its climate tolerance makes it suitable for United States Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 9, extending across most of the country from southern Minnesota and North Dakota to the southernmost reaches of Florida and Texas.

Features

Standard Kiefer pear trees grow to 20 feet in height while dwarf varieties reach 12 to 15 feet in height. The standard tree's canopy spreads to about 20 feet and the dwarf canopy reaches to 10 feet in diameter. Shiny green leaves grow on alternate sides of twigs and turn shades of gold and bronze in the fall, according to the Arbor Day website.

Growth

The trees begin their annual growth cycle by producing fragrant pink or white flowers in early to late spring, according to the Backyard Gardener website. Early blooming trees can be susceptible to frost and freezing temperatures and should be protected, according to the Texas A&M University extension service website. New shoots develop through the summer growing period.

Kiefer pears produce large fruit in autumn, from mid-September until mid-October, about a month later than most varieties, according to the Sooner Plant Farm website. Unlike many other pear tree varieties, even very young Kiefer pear trees bear fruit. The fruit skin develops a yellow color with a reddish blush when ripe, according to the Arbor Day website.

Trees go dormant through winter and repeat the growth and fruiting cycle in the spring.

Controlling Growth

Pruning young trees ensures the development of balanced, strong branches, according to the Texas A&M University extension service website. Pruning should take place in late winter but any suckers that grow from the base of the tree should be removed as soon as they appear, usually in the summer. Older trees should continue to be pruned to thin the canopy and allow sunlight to penetrate and encourage fruit production on all branches.

Considerations

Kiefer pear trees tolerate heat, humidity, flood and drought conditions, but grow best in moist well-draining soil with full sun exposure. Unlike European pear tree varieties such as the popular Bartlett, Bosc and D'Anjou, Kiefer pear trees resist fire blight infections, according to the Texas A&M University extension service website.

Planting

The extension service recommends planting pear trees in the winter or early spring while they are dormant. Root balls should be soaked in water for a half hour before planting.

References

• National Arbor Day Foundation: Tree Guide
• Sooner Plant Farm: About Kiefer Pear Trees
• Backyard Gardener: Kiefer Pear Information
• Texas A&M University Extension Service: About Pear Trees

Resources

• Greenwood Nursery: Tips for Growing Pears