Pineapple Pear is a productive Southern pear tree known for its large fruit, distinctive flavor, and excellent resistance to fire blight. The pears develop yellow skin, often with a reddish or russet-colored blush, and white, firm flesh. The fruit has a mild sweet-tart flavor that is often described as having a hint of pineapple. Its firm texture makes it especially good for canning, preserves, baking, poaching, pear butter, and other homemade recipes. The pears may also be eaten fresh after they have been picked and allowed to soften indoors. Pineapple Pear is well suited to North Florida and the Florida Panhandle because it has a low chill requirement and handles Southern heat and humidity better than many traditional European pear varieties. Plant Details • Botanical name: Pyrus hybrid ‘Pineapple’• Plant type: Deciduous fruit tree• Mature height: Approximately 15–20 feet• Mature width: Approximately 12–15 feet• Growth habit: Vigorous and productive• Sun requirements: Full sun, preferably six or more hours daily• USDA zones: Approximately Zones 7–9• Chill requirement: Approximately 150 chill hours• Bloom season: Early spring; often early March in North Florida• Harvest season: Usually early August in North Florida• Fruit size: Large• Fruit color: Yellow, often with a reddish or russet-colored blush• Flesh color: White• Fruit texture: Firm• Flavor: Mild, sweet-tart flavor often described as pineapple-like• Best uses: Canning, preserves, baking, cooking, poaching, pear butter, and fresh eating after ripening• Pollination: Partially self-fruitful; another early-blooming pear is recommended• Disease resistance: Very resistant to fire blight and moderately resistant to pear leaf spot Pollination Information Pineapple Pear may produce some fruit when planted alone, but another compatible pear variety is recommended for better and more dependable fruit production. Best Pollinator Partners • Hood Pear• Flordahome Pear• Orient Pear These varieties flower early and have the best chance of overlapping with Pineapple Pear in North Florida. Kieffer and LeConte normally flower later and should not be listed as the primary pollinators for Pineapple Pear. Bloom times can vary somewhat from year to year depending on winter temperatures. Bees and other pollinating insects are still needed to carry pollen between the flowers. North Florida Growing Note Pineapple Pear flowers early, so avoid planting it in a low area where cold air settles. Open blossoms may be damaged by a late winter or early spring freeze. Plant the tree in full sun with well-drained soil and enough room for good air circulation. Avoid areas that remain wet after heavy rain. Pineapple Pear has very good fire-blight resistance, but excessive nitrogen fertilizer and severe pruning should still be avoided. Both can encourage tender, fast-growing shoots that are more vulnerable to disease. Pick the pears when they are mature but still firm and beginning to change from green to yellow. Allow them to finish ripening indoors at room temperature for improved flavor and texture. Local Pickup, Shipping and Wholesale Local pickup is available at Advanced Nursery Growers in DeFuniak Springs, Florida. Pineapple Pear is a good choice for home orchards, homesteads, preserving gardens, farms, and edible landscapes throughout North Florida, the Florida Panhandle, South Alabama, and the Gulf Coast. Limited shipping may be available for select smaller trees. Please contact us before ordering if shipping is needed. Shipping charges are calculated separately. Wholesale availability may be offered depending on current inventory and quantity needed. Contact us for current sizes, availability, and wholesale information. Contact Information Advanced Nursery Growers1911 McLeod RoadDeFuniak Springs, FL 32435 Phone: (850) 391-2228Email: [email protected]
