By the way, there are different propagation methods for pears, in which grafting is most reliable, through which plants do not lose their parents’ properties.
But when it comes to growing pears in a specific climate like Texas, our main focus should be on choosing a local variety that can survive properly in our climate.
For commercial purposes, grafting pears is a must-do method. However, as a home gardener, planting pears from seed can let you create a variety that suits your climate.
The only condition is that the seed comes from a variety that has already been recommended for Texas.
Best Pear Varieties for Texas
Some well-known European pears like Bartlett, Bosc, Comice, and D’Anjou don’t grow very well here. One big reason is a disease called fire blight, which can completely kill the tree.
A trusted Texas gardener at DallasFruitGrower.typepad.com shared that most gardeners in North Texas agree on this point: it’s more important to choose a variety that can fight diseases than to focus on how famous or fancy the name is.
That’s why many gardeners suggest growing Oriental hybrid pears. These types grow much better in Texas weather than the European ones.
Experts at Texas A&M AgriLife Extension recommend three top choices: Warren, Ayres, and Magness.
One nursery in East Texas (Bobwell Nursery) also supports this. They really like Ayres, and also recommend Orient and LeConte for their nice size, good taste, and ability to grow in Texas conditions.
Another variety worth looking at is Potomac, created by crossing D’Anjou and Moonglow.
You can do both: buy a grafted pear tree from a nursery and transplant it in your backyard, or plant pears from seed to see each stage with your own eyes, making it a rewarding experience
Take pear seeds only from a variety that already grows well in your local climate.
Can You Grow Pear Trees From Seeds? (Texas)
Regarding Pear seeds, there is a different story. Most experts recommend starting and sowing pear seeds indoors for transplanting after the last frost date.
By the way, there is flexible time, for example, you have to keep pear seeds in the fridge for 4 months before the last frost date.
Additionally, you need to sow stratified seeds indoors when there is one month remaining until the last frost date.
After that, you can transplant the pear seedling outdoors when frost has passed, as the weather warms.
Now, here, the transplantation requirements change everything due to the different last frost date in Texas.
Pear seeds and the last frost date are part of the factors that highly influence planting time. (Here’s the detail).
Make sure to take viable seeds from a non-hybrid variety. If there is a hybrid pear, always purchase F1 seeds or directly buy a grafted pear tree.
When to Plant Pear Trees From Seeds In Texas? A Quick Breakdown
Before sowing pear seeds, they require chilling periods to break their dormancy and germinate. Since pears grow after cross-pollination, the future variety may vary, and their chilling requirements may also be different.
Most experts say that keeping pear seeds in the fridge for 3 months is usually enough, regardless of the variety of pear. So, just consider it as a frost date and take the pear seeds in your hand.😊
Best Time to Stratify, Sow, and Transplant Pear Seeds
Frost dates are different from area to area and year to year, so this data is based on research and frost weather updates. It may also vary, so always check before planting any crop.
| Region | Stratification Period | Indoor Sowing Time | Transplant Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Texas | October 10 – November 1 | January 10 – February 1 | February 10 – March 1 |
| East Texas | October 10 – End of October | End of December – End of January | End of January – Mid-February |
| Central Texas | Mid-November | Mid-February | Mid-March |
| West Texas | November 10 – November 22 | February 22 – March 10 | March 22 – April 10 |
| North Texas | November 12 – November 20 | March 12 – March 20 | April 12 – April 20 |
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How to Plant Pear Tree From Seeds in Texas
Now, move to the five steps of planting pear seeds, but also consider some tips along the way.
In East Texas, the air stays humid, which helps young seedlings grow, but your soil should stay moist, not soggy or wet. Pear trees, whether from seeds or bought as young plants, will always need a pollinator partner.
The best pollinators for Texas include Moonglow, Honey Sweet, and Ayres. Dallas fruit Grower says to avoid Magness as a pollinator, as it doesn’t produce enough pollen.
Also, keep the main focus on a disease-resistant variety. Using mulch, providing light shade during Texas’s summer, and covering with frost cloth in winter can make a positive difference in pear health.
