PLANT PROFILE:
Summercrisp Pear

by Paul Schwabe

Summercrisp Pear

Pyrus sp. ‘Summercrisp’

Description & Overview

Summercrisp pear was released by the University of Minnesota in the 1980’s. It is a very cold hardy variety that is a prolific producer of small, crispy pears (3″-3.5″ fruits) that are good for fresh eating only. A unique pear as it is best picked and consumed at the green/ripe stage when the fruit is crispy and not fully ripe. The fruit quality decreases rapidly if allowed to fully ripen. Stores for up to 3 weeks refrigerated.

Core Characteristics

Wisconsin Native: No

USDA Hardiness Zone: to zone 4

Mature Height: 15 feet

Mature Spread: 12 feet

Growth Rate: Slow

Growth Form: Upright tree

Light Requirements: Full Sun

Site Requirements: Well-drained site

Flower: White

Bloom Period: Early May

Foliage: Green

Fall Color: N/A

Urban Approved: Yes

Fruit Notes: The green/yellow fruit ripens around August 10-15th in S.E. WI. Often develops a red blush on the sunny side of the fruit.

Suggested Uses:

We offer this variety on OH x Farmingdale 333 rootstock which is semi-dwarf. With pruning the tree can be kept to 15′ in height.

Wildlife Value:

Relished by deer.

Maintenance Tips:

Best to prune only when dormant in winter/early spring to help avoid fireblight.

Pests/Problems:

This variety is less prone to fireblight than most others.

Leaf Lore:

Excellent for children’s lunches due to the small fruit size. Learn more about Savoring Summercrisp Pear.

Companion Plants:

Summercrisp must be cross-pollinated with a different pear variety in order to produce fruit. Triploid varieties (Gourmet, Luscious) will not work as a pollinator.

SUMMERCRISP PEAR BENCHCARD

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PLANT PROFILE:Summercrisp Pear