When it comes to planting pear trees in Georgia, I would say that the right variety is the most considerable factor compared to the right planting time.
And planting time depends on two things: the unique climate and the unique variety, in which the unique propagation method also matters.
According to the University of Georgia (UGA) and other trusted sources, the grafted pear tree is recommended to get the same taste, size, and shape, especially for commercial purposes.
UGA also describes that pears and apples are slow-growing fruit trees, so their seedlings are dug up in winter for grafting, or in the second year, they are budded into the main row during July.
However, commercial production of pears is not common in Georgia, but home growers still grow pears in their backyards. (DLG)
Can YOU Grow Pear Tree From Seeds in Georgia?
Buying grafted pears is a good step to achieve fruit within 2 to 3 years; still, growing a pear from seeds may be a rewarding journey of 5 to 10 years, filled with each stage and climate adaptation.
Yeah, Steve Thorn on permies says that seed-grown pears may produce a more resistant variety that will adjust in your local climate, whether it is Georgia, Texas, or Florida. However, there are no scientific details for that.
On the topic of seed-grown or grafted trees, choosing the right variety matters. If you’re growing pears from seeds, think of it as saving a tiny life.
Just choose seeds from varieties that are already thriving in Georgia and give a chance to adapt to your local climate and flourish in your backyard.
Check out five steps to plant pear seeds at home……
Keep in mind: Seed-grown pears are not identical to parent plants; their results in quality, taste, size, and shape may be different, but they may usually be close to the original.
When to Plant Pear Trees in Georgia?
The University of Georgia says that pears can be grown in all of Georgia, with a good variety, right planting time, and most importantly, “right propagation method.”
According to the University of Georgia Extension, the most suitable time for pear tree grafting is during winter, while budding is best performed in July, as these periods offer optimal conditions for plant development and successful union.
On the other hand, if growing pears from seeds, timing shifts based on last frost date in Georgia. Georgia, which may differ from area to area.
Formula is to keep pear seeds in the fridge for 4 months before the last frost date and sow them after 3 months of fridge stratification, and then transplant outdoors when frost has passed.
The following table shows exact things based on Georgia’s growing season and frost dates.
| Georgia Region (with Cities) | Cold Stratify Starts | Indoor Sowing Starts | Outdoor Transplanting |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Georgia (Blue Ridge, Rome, Gainesville) |
December 15 – January 1 | March 15 – April 1 | May 1 – May 10 |
| Central Georgia (Macon, Milledgeville, Warner Robins) |
November 15 – December 1 | February 20 – March 5 | April 1 – April 15 |
| South Georgia (Valdosta, Tifton, Waycross) |
November 1 – November 15 | February 1 – February 15 | March 15 – April 1 |
Best Pear Tree Varieties for Georgia’s climate (According to UGA)
The following table shows the best pear varieties for Georgia, whether you are growing from seeds or grafting.
| Variety Name | Suitable Pollinator |
|---|---|
| Flordahome | Hood |
| Hood | Flordahome |
| Baldwin | Orient, Kieffer |
| Orient | Kieffer, Baldwin |
| Kieffer | Orient, Baldwin |
| Moonglow | Bartlett, Orient |
| Ayers | Moonglow, Orient |
For a seed-grown pear tree, first check if the seed is hybrid or non-hybrid. Hybrid seeds, especially F2, often don’t grow true to the parent.
It’s better to use F1 hybrid seeds or buy a grafted plant from a nursery. Non-hybrid seeds are more reliable and can adapt better to the climate.
Recommended Pear Varieties in Different Georgia Zones
- North Georgia: It is colder here. Since the Golden Spice variety can withstand up to south Georgia, it and cold-hardy varieties like Summercrisp can be chosen in northern areas.
- Central Georgia: Orient, Waite, Carrick, etc., are suitable in temperate climates.
- Southern and eastern Georgia: Hood, Floridahome, Baldwin, etc., are good in warm and humid areas.
According to renowned gardening author Walter Reeves, the Seckel variety is superior in flavor and pollinates Moonglow and Starking Delicious, and polder varieties like Orient and Kieffer are also blight-resistant and reliable.
Reeves and UGA point out that the Bartlett variety is not suited to the Georgia climate and is not recommended for planting.
Some gardeners have also successfully grown Asian varieties like Hosui and Shinko, although they are relatively less hardy than European varieties.
Last Words: Growing Pears in Georgia
Consider soil, irrigation, and pollination before planting pears in Georgia. By purchasing and planting grafted seedlings from a nursery, along with choosing the right location, soil, and variety, you can establish a successful home pear orchard.
For detailed recommendations, I would say to visit their website and read everything about planting pears in Georgia.
