Pear trees are among the fruit trees that are not self-pollinating. They need so-called pollinator trees that provide the pollen for pollination. For a rich pear harvest, you basically need two types of pears in the garden.
How to successfully pollinate a pear tree?
To pollinate a pear tree and obtain fruit, you should have at least two different types of pears in the garden that bloom at the same time. Pollination occurs by bees and wind, which carry pollen from one tree to another.
Your pear tree is not bearing fruit
If your tree does not bear fruit even though it has bloomed abundantly, the reason is usually a lack of pollination.
Pear trees need pollen donors
The flowers of the pear tree are hermaphrodite. They carry both male and female organs.
Hermaphrodite flowers cannot fertilize themselves. They need the pollen from another pear tree so that the flower can form a fruit.
Pollination is carried out by bees and wind, which carry pollen from one tree to another.
How to pollinate your pear tree
- Planting a second pear tree
- Refine existing pear tree with second variety
- Choose a suitable pollinator variety
- Make sure the flowering period is the same
- Planting a pear tree espalier with several varieties
Not every variety is suitable as a pollinator variety
If you want to plant a second pear tree to pollinate your tree, you need to choose the right pear variety.
Which pear trees are suitable as pollinators for your pear tree depends on the variety. If you don't know which pears are growing in your garden, ask a fruit expert.
Select the appropriate pollinator tree from a list of matching trees.
Refine pear tree with a second variety
Another option that is suitable for small gardens is to graft the pear tree with a second variety of pear. This means you can harvest two different types of pears from one tree.
When selecting the variety for grafting, you must ensure that it is a suitable pollinator variety for your tree.
It is also important that both varieties bloom at approximately the same time. Otherwise pollination by the bees cannot take place.
Tips & Tricks
If you have limited space in the garden, choose small pear varieties. They can even be planted in containers or as espaliered fruit. The small space requirement allows you to care for several pear trees. By choosing the right varieties, you ensure good pollination of your tree.
