Pear Tree (Anjou)

Planting & Care

Planting & Care – Anjou Pear

Site Selection

• Thrives with 1/2 day to full day of sun—ideal for cooler coastal and inland regions.
• Select an area with good airflow to reduce disease pressure.
• Avoid soggy or compacted soil.

Soil Preparation

• Prefers well-drained loam but adapts to many soils.
• Lightly amend poor soil with compost; avoid heavy nitrogen at planting.
• Ideal pH: 6.0–7.0.

Planting Instructions

1. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball.
2. Plant at the same depth as it grew in the nursery.
3. Backfill with native soil and water thoroughly.
4. Apply 2–3″ of mulch, keeping it away from the trunk.

Watering & Fertilizing

• Keep soil consistently moist during the first 1–2 years, without becoming waterlogged.
• In mild climates, deep water 1–2 times per week during dry stretches.
• In hot or windy climates, water 2–3 times per week during heat waves.
• Check soil 4–6″ deep and water when that layer feels dry.
• Once established (year 3+), deep water every 7–14 days during dry weather.
• Anjou is a medium feeder: apply a light, balanced organic fertilizer in early spring only if growth is weak.

Pollination

• Anjou requires a European pear for pollination.
• Pairs well with Bartlett, Comice, Bosc, Seckel, and Harrow Sweet.
• Plant within 20–30 ft from its pollination partner.

Pruning & Training

• Train to a central leader or modified central leader structure.
• Prune in late winter to shape and maintain airflow.
• Thin fruit in early summer for better size and quality.

Harvest & Use

• Pick fruit while still firm; ripen indoors for best flavor and texture.
• Excellent for fresh eating, baking, and long-term storage.
• Holds exceptional quality in cold refrigeration.

General Tips

• Mulch annually to conserve moisture and reduce weeds.
• Semi-dwarf size makes pruning and harvesting simple.
• Monitor for fire blight; prune affected shoots when dormant.