How to Grow Pears Zimbabwe

How to Grow Pears

Pears are adapted to nearly all of Zimbabwe. It is very common to find trees as much as 50 years old that are still producing fruit.
Site and Soil Requirements

Air drainage and freedom from spring frosts are important in the location of pear trees. Pear trees bloom relatively early, normally from one to several weeks before apples. 

Variety Selection and Pollination Requirements
Three varieties of pear, that are commonly grown (Pyrus communis), the Oriental pear (Pyrus serotina), and the Asian pear (Pyrus pyrifolia). 

Pear Varieties Recommended for Growing inZimbabwe

• Packham's Triumph 
  
• William's Bon Chretien (or Bartlett)
• Forelle
• Beurre Bosc
• Bon Rouge
•  Rosemarie & Flamingo

Handling and PruningPears have a tendency to grow upright with very narrow crotch angles, early triming and pruning are necessary to develop a strong tree. Plant them 5 metres apart. Fertilization
Pears do best in soils with a pH of 5.9 to 6.5. Have your soil tested before planting, and follow the recommendations. You can get information on soil testing from your county Extension office. Pear trees should be fertilized annually, using a split application. Apply one cup of 3:2:1 fertilizer per tree per year of tree age with a maximum application of 12 cups.  
Picking Maturity

To attain highest quality, pears must be harvested before they are ripe. If picked too early, they are undersized and lack sweetness and flavor. If picked too late, the fruit ripens quickly, is gritty in texture, and is subject to core breakdown.
Diseases and Insects that Attack Pears

Diseases common to pears are scab, black rot, bitter rot, pear leaf spot and fire blight. The two most common diseases are pear leaf spot and fire blight.

Fire blight is a disease that you should learn to recognize if you plan to grow pears.