Central Minnesota produces a variety of pears.
Central Minnesota is right on the border of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's tree hardiness growing zones. The northern half is Zone 3, while the southern half of the state is in Zone 4. Either way, pear trees in the state must be able to survive cold weather and harsh winters. Because pears come from cold-climate trees, a good variety of pears grow well in Minnesota. Does this Spark an idea?
Parker Pear
The parker pear tree is recommended for the USDA's Zone 4. The Northern Gardener website also says it does well in the southern and the east-central part of Minnesota. It is large for a cold-hardy pear and has a yellow and bronze color. The tree itself stands upright and is considered a quick grower. Its tasty flesh is tender and juicy with a fine grain. The fruit of a parker pear ripens in the late summer, usually in September. A parker pear tree will pollinate with any other variety of pear. It is susceptible to fire blight.
Gourmet Pear
The Northern Gardener website lists the gourmet pear as one that will grow anywhere in Minnesota. It requires a normal amount of water and can grow as high as 25 feet. The tree has strong branches and requires minimal pruning. The pear has a round to a typical pear shape. The gourmet pear should not be allowed to mature on the tree, but instead should ripen in a storage area. It has green, medium-sized, deciduous leaves. Its flowers have a fragrant smell and bloom in white and pink. The flowers bloom in early to late spring. The gourmet pear tree thrives best when it receives plenty of sun. Its thick skin has a greenish-yellow color. Its yellow flesh is juicy with a sweet taste. The pear was developed by South Dakota State University.
Luscious Pear
The luscious pear is suitable for all but the northern parts of Minnesota, according to the Northern Gardener website. It is a large pear that is very juicy and has a sweet taste. The pear ripens in late September. It requires a pollinator such as the parker pear. It can reach a height of 30 feet and prefers well-drained soil with plenty of sun. It has green, medium-sized leaves that are deciduous and produces fragrant pink and white flowers. The luscious pear tree generally blooms in early May. Its water needs are rated normal, and it does not pollinate other pears. The pear is considered excellent for making desserts.
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