The best variety of pear is a very relative concept. Some people prefer soft, sweet fruits, others like firmer ones with astringency, others like the refreshing sourness in the pear. But it’s not just the taste that determines the pear variety - you also need to take into account the climatic conditions in which you live, winter hardiness, and whether a particular variety needs fertilization to set fruit.
As you can see, there are many factors to consider when choosing a pear variety. Therefore, we bring to your attention a short classification of pear types, after which we will move on to a description of pear varieties with photos.
Climate of the Moscow region
This region has a temperate continental climate. Its peculiarity is that precipitation here is distributed unevenly. Often the bulk of them falls in autumn or spring, and in summer there is drought. At the beginning of winter there are often severe frosts, which are accompanied by sharp northerly winds. In late spring, gardeners and gardeners are wary of return frosts, and for good reason - during this period the thermometer drops below 0°C for several days.
In such conditions it is not easy to care for the southern pear. The tree begins to bloom early, and due to repeated frosts, pollination may be at risk, and this will destroy the ovaries. It is difficult to grow crops in such conditions: bud formation occurs in the summer, and during the winter they can freeze.
Characteristics of the climate zone
The Moscow region is located in a zone of temperate continental climate, which is characterized by a large annual amplitude of air temperature, as well as significant changes in temperature indicators throughout the day and uneven distribution of precipitation. Frosty winters, very hot summers, and return frosts in late spring make it difficult to grow such a fruit crop as a pear, since the buds are laid in the previous summer, and there is a high probability of them freezing in the winter.
Therefore, owners of garden plots or summer cottages should take into account that in such conditions, frost-resistant, resistant to sudden temperature fluctuations and vagaries of weather, early ripening, self-fertile varieties and hybrids will fully grow and develop.
Winter varieties
In this region, winter varieties simply do not have time to ripen. Therefore, the harvest is harvested while still green at the end of autumn and stored in a cellar or pantry until fully ripened. This variety of pears is distinguished by its taste and long shelf life.
Miraculous
This variety is a hybrid variety. It was obtained as a result of crossing the Daughter of the Dawn and the Talgar beauty. The tree grows up to 3 m in height and is distinguished by a pyramid-shaped crown that is resistant to heavy overgrowth. The leaves are green, with a slightly pointed tip. This variety is known:
- resistance to diseases;
- stable rich harvest;
- fruit juiciness;
- the sweetness of fruit without a hint of tartness.
Each fruit is cone-shaped and weighs no more than 210 g. The harvest can last until the new year.
Extravaganza
The most common and beloved variety in the Moscow region. The tree reaches a height of about 2 m, the foliage is drooping, forms a crown in the shape of a pyramid. The branches are thick, brown in color. The leaves are medium-sized, emerald green, cylindrical-conical in shape.
Frost resistance and winter hardiness - what is the difference?
Let's start with the most important thing: frost resistance and winter hardiness are not the same thing. Frost resistance is the ability of plants to withstand extremely low winter temperatures. We are talking about short-term frosts -30...35°C. Winter hardiness is the ability of plants to calmly tolerate long-term low temperatures during the rest period. From late autumn to early spring, plants fall into “deep sleep”, and winter hardiness allows them to easily tolerate:
- Return frosts – extremely low January and February temperatures
- Autumn frosts, when the temperature drops sharply below 0
- Spring frosts, when sub-zero temperatures come after the spring thaw
Frost resistance is just one trait, winter hardiness is a complex of traits that allow plants to overwinter in our region without problems. For the Moscow region, frost-resistant crops are not so important because... Truly severe frosts that last for several weeks are extremely rare. But a series of thaws and frosts, snowless winters and deep freezing of the soil are becoming more and more common. Therefore, we recommend choosing winter-hardy varieties of fruit trees and flowering shrubs for the garden.
Winter hardiness is a complex property consisting of many characteristics. Truly winter-hardy varieties are plants that can withstand cold, frost and all natural disasters of autumn, winter and spring. For example, winter-hardy varieties of apple trees feel normal during frosts and thaws from November to March, quickly recovering from minor frostbite. But frost-resistant crops are unlikely to withstand temperature swings that are unusual in the frosty -45°C regions for which breeders bred them. Winter-hardy varieties must have several characteristics at once:
- Frost resistance at the beginning of winter
- Frost resistance to extreme sub-zero temperatures in mid-winter
- Resistance to sudden cold snaps and frosts after a thaw
- Resistance to a gradual decrease in temperature after a thaw
All gardeners know that the most dangerous for winter-hardy varieties are not frosts, but periods of sharp warming. Every 2-3 years in our region there are February (sometimes March) thaws of 0...2°C, after which the cold hits with renewed vigor. A plant can be winter-hardy based on one trait or several from the list. That is why some apple trees are winter-hardy for the Moscow region, but are not suitable for the eastern part of the central region. Or why some fruit trees are not sensitive to frost at -35°C, but can die at -15..20°C after a thaw. When purchasing, be sure to specify what kind of resistance to cold the winter-hardy variety has. We recommend the following parameters for the Moscow region:
- Frost resistance at the beginning of winter at –25 °C
- Frost resistance to extreme sub-zero temperatures in mid-winter down to – 35 °C
- Resistance to sharp return frosts after a thaw at –25 °C
- Resistance to gradual temperature drops after a thaw at –30 °C
Not only temperature indicators are important, but also the rate of decrease. Winter-hardy varieties tolerate mild, gradual cooling from October to December. The plant manages to adapt, “hardening” occurs, which later helps to withstand frost. However, there must also be preparedness for prolonged frosts. If low temperatures persist for 2-3 weeks, moisture loss and dehydration occur. The above-ground part of the plant may dry out completely. Freezing of flower buds can lead to the fact that apple trees, pears and cherries will not produce a harvest at all the next year.
We derived all these temperature ranges based on long-term observations of seasonal temperatures in our region and the stages of plant development. If you don’t want to worry about which of the purchased seedlings will survive the winter and which will die in the first months, you should accept these temperature conditions as a “survival norm.” Each region has its own temperature characteristics. If you want to buy winter-hardy varieties for other regions of our country, contact our consultants by phone. +7. They will select for you the best fruiting and flowering plants with the desired properties.
Summer varieties
These varieties have a short growing season. The fruits are early and can be harvested when fully ripe already in mid-summer. But they won’t last long—20 days maximum.
Cathedral
The tree grows more than 4 m in height, has a dense conical crown, which requires constant care - lightening pruning. The shoots are straight, gray. The leaves are light green, oval-shaped, slightly pointed. The fruit weight reaches 110-130 g. According to gardeners, this is the ideal and most delicious variety for the Moscow region.
To increase the yield by 30-40%, you need to plant pollinating varieties such as Lada or Chizhevsky next to Cathedralnaya.
Cathedral pear is chosen due to:
- ability to withstand temperatures down to -27°C;
- drought resistance;
- tender and smooth peel;
- stable fruiting (fruits can be collected annually, each tree produces approximately 35 kg);
- interesting sweet taste with a slight sourness;
- resistance to parasites and diseases.
This variety begins to bear fruit 3–4 years after planting in the garden plot. The harvest can be harvested in early August, but it will not last long - no more than 12 days.
Krasulya
This variety of pear is one of the most commonly grown in the Moscow region. It produces slightly ruddy green-yellow fruits weighing up to 120 g. The crown of the crop is spreading, there are thorns on the branches and trunk. The foliage is wide. It reaches a height of 4 m.
Krasulya is chosen because she:
- produces a larger harvest every year, which is harvested in mid-August;
- sweet with a slight sourness;
- has a delicate peel;
- resistant to fungal development and mite invasion;
- resistance to sub-zero temperatures.
When does a pear blossom and ripen in the Moscow region?
Pear blossoms in May or early July. The exact timing depends on the growing area and weather conditions. The warmer the climate, the earlier flowering occurs. Most varieties bear fruit in the 3rd year, but there are also those that produce fruit only in the 5th, 6th or 7th year after planting.
Attention! When to remove pears from the tree? The ripeness of the fruit is determined by the change in color and fragrant sweet aroma. The pear becomes elastic, but not hard.
The ripening period of early summer varieties begins on July 20 and ends on August 30. Trees of autumn varieties bear fruit throughout September. Late pears produce a harvest in October and November.
Autumn varieties
In the Moscow region, autumn pears do not have time to ripen, so they are removed from the trees ahead of time (at the end of the first month of autumn), after which the fruits must be placed in a dark and cool place. A cellar is ideal for this purpose. If you organize the right storage conditions, they can last until the beginning of January.
Elegant Efimova
An early autumn variety with beautiful and tasty fruits, weighing up to 150 g, with a thin smooth skin, juicy dense pulp and a sweet and sour taste, is popular among gardeners. The culture is not afraid of frost, undemanding to soil, care and humidity levels. He rarely gets sick and suffers from parasite attacks.
Elegant Efimova grows up to 4–5 m. The crown of the tree is pyramidal and has an average density of dark green oval leaves. The branches are dark brown and straight. You can harvest up to 40 kg of pears from one plant.
The fruits must be picked unripe so that they do not lose their taste.
The fruiting period begins 4–7 years after “moving” to the garden and is stable. Harvesting occurs in the first ten days of September.
Red-sided
This species with wide, large green leaves takes root in almost any type of soil and does not require special care. It reaches a height of more than 4 m. The crown of the crop does not overgrow, so lightening pruning should be done every two years. The red-sided pear is chosen due to:
- frost resistance;
- the ability to collect about 80 kg of fruit from one plant;
- resistance to fungal infections;
- the weight of one pear is about 180 g;
- good keeping quality - the fruits of this variety will last until the new year;
- taste - the pulp is sweet and slightly tart, the full taste will be revealed 3-4 days after harvesting;
- The fruits are suitable for fresh consumption, baking, and canning.
The fruiting period of this autumn variety begins only in the seventh year after its appearance in the garden.
Muscovite
The Muscovite will fit in well at the dacha, because... does not require special lighting conditions or special types of soil. This is a medium-sized crop with a cone-shaped crown. The shoots are powerful and spreading, the leaves are small, green, oval. The fruit has a yellow peel with a green tint and no blush. The weight of the fetus is 130 g.
Ripening in summer
The summer-ripening group includes varieties that produce a harvest of ripe fruit in the last ten days of July or August. Summer varieties do not have a long shelf life, so they are recommended for consumption or processing within a week after collection.
Almost all early ripening varieties are self-fertile crops. However, to increase productivity, gardeners carry out additional pollination of trees. To ensure this condition, pollinating plants are planted nearby and bloom at the same time.
Summer pear varieties for the Moscow region are divided into three types of plants:
The low-growing, compact variety Lada is resistant to drought and harsh climatic conditions. The pyramid-shaped crown reaches a height of about 2.5 m.
The fruit is yellow with a pink blush, weighing about 150 g. Harvesting is carried out in mid-July. The first fruits are given in the 3-4th year of cultivation. The crop is self-fertile, but needs pollinators to increase productivity. The Rogneda and Chizhevskaya varieties are planted nearby.
The main advantages are high yield, immunity against scab and fungal infections.
Krasulya
A relatively new variety of domestic selection is Krasulya, the characteristics of which include the following qualities:
The Krasulya variety is a productive species with a high degree of frost resistance.
It is not subject to scab, increases productivity when the Raduzhnaya and Severyanka varieties are adjacent.
Marble
The tree is of medium height - at maturity it reaches 4 m in height. The branches are spreading, the first fruit ovaries form in the 6-7th year of cultivation. The fruit is green with a red side. The pulp is moderately juicy and sweet. Harvest ripening occurs in mid-August. But if there is a lack of moisture in the soil, the tree begins to drop its fruits prematurely.
The Mramornaya variety is resistant to fungal diseases and is practically not damaged by scab. The plant has good resistance to severe winters and bears fruit annually.
August Dew
The Augustow Dew culture was obtained on the basis of two varieties - Triumph Pakgama and Tenderness. The newly bred hybrid received the best qualities of its parents - good frost resistance, early ripeness (it enters the fruiting phase after 4 years) and consistently high productivity.
Variety August Dew
The crown is round, drooping, and medium dense. The pear is bright yellow, sweet, very juicy, average weight - 140-150 g.
The Lyubimitsa Yakovleva variety is considered the best pollinator.
Cathedral
The Cathedral pear variety is one of the few that has increased resistance to all fungal diseases. It is also not susceptible to pear mite infection and fire blight. The degree of frost resistance is high.
The fruits are yellow, pear-shaped, very juicy, with a sweet and sour taste. Small specimens can be stored for about 3-4 weeks in a cool place.
Red-sided
The large-fruited variety Krasnobokaya has excellent taste - pears reach 200 g in weight. Therefore, it is necessary to harvest the crop before the required ripening period, otherwise there is a high risk of branches breaking off. The fruit is yellow, hard, but after full ripening the pulp becomes very juicy and sweet.
Both young and mature trees have good immunity against fungal, viral and bacterial infections. They easily tolerate cold wintering in the region.
Chizhevskaya
The tree is small in stature - about 3 m, stable and produces good harvests every year. The disadvantage of the Chizhevskaya variety is that the fragrant and juicy fruits can be stored for no more than a week, so they are immediately eaten or processed.
The dwarf crop has winter hardiness and early ripening - it produces its first harvest in the third year of life. For additional pollination, the Lada pear variety is planted next to the tree.
Fabulous
An early-ripening, large-fruited Fabulous crop - fruit weight reaches 250 g. Green pears with a red side, very sweet and juicy, can be stored for no more than two weeks, so they require quick sales and processing.
Pear variety Fairytale
The plant is tall - up to 5-5.5 m in height, which makes harvesting difficult. Has good recovery ability after severe frosts. It is not susceptible to gall mites and fungal diseases.
Low growing varieties
Pear is a crop that needs sunlight and free space. If you plant trees close to each other, this will have a bad effect on the yield. In order to accommodate more species in the area, the plants must be low-growing. This does not affect the taste in any way.
Olivier de Serres
This tree has straight shoots growing upwards; the crown is compact. The fruits ripen in autumn: they are round and weigh approximately 150 g. The skin color is gray-green with cinnamon-colored spots.
The creamy flesh is very sweet and juicy - the pear has an almond aftertaste. The fruit hangs for a long time without falling off. They can be transported and stored for a long time. Suitable for fresh consumption and making compotes.
Parisian
Dwarf variety - the tree does not grow more than 3 m. Harvesting is carried out in early October. The weight of the fruit varies between 200–250 g.
Dwarf plants bear fruit 2–3 years after planting—you can harvest 4–8 kg of crop from one tree.
Parisian has sweet flesh with a slight sour aftertaste. She does not suffer from fungus and rot. The fruits are universal: suitable for consumption in any form.
In memory of Yakovlev
This variety ripens in early autumn. It is distinguished by a small crown and thick branches. The fruits have a classic shape and weigh about 110 g. The peel is smooth, dense with a yellow color and a slight blush.
The taste of Memory Yakovlev is sweet, there is no sourness or astringency. Harvest storage is up to 90 days.
Self-pollinating
Apple trees set fruit by mutual cross-pollination of different varieties. But there are self-fertile forms that are prone to partial self-pollination. In this case, even a lonely tree will bear a harvest. Self-pollinating varieties of apple trees successfully form fruits in bad weather when pollinating insects do not fly.
Arkadik
Obtained in the Moscow region and patented in 2005. Winterizes well and does not suffer from scab. Active growth of the crown becomes restrained from 3-4 years, when the ovaries appear. Every year, producing abundant harvests, the trees need increased nutrition. The weight of apples is 125-345 g. They are oblong, whitish with dark pink streaks. The pulp contains a lot of aromatic, sweet juice.
Bryanskoe
Winter variety, medium-sized. Recorded in the Register of Breeding Achievements in 2001. The first flowering occurs at an early age (from 3 years). Abundant harvests are observed every year. The fruits do not spoil until the end of February. They are purple-raspberry, not hard, with a dessert taste (4.8 points) and a pleasant aroma. The weight of juicy apples is 160-295 g. Plants have genetic immunity to scab, but they are susceptible to fruit rot (moniliosis).
Pepin Saffron
The author of the variety is I.V. Michurin (recorded in the State Register since 1947). The trees are slightly drooping, not very tall, but dense (thinning is necessary). They are prone to freezing, but recover well. Late flowering avoids return frosts. High productivity is noted annually (from 5 or 6 years of age). The variety is early winter (stays until February). Striped apples weigh 80-130 g and have a characteristic spherical-conical shape.
Expert opinion
Stanislav Pavlovich
Gardener with 17 years of experience and our expert
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INTERESTING! The fruits of Pepin Saffron have a unique spicy aroma and wine aftertaste.
Winter-hardy pear varieties
Despite the fact that frosts rarely occur in the Moscow region, garden owners still prefer to plant winter-hardy varieties of pears. They rarely suffer from disease and can withstand temperatures as low as -20°C.
Bessemyanka
A variety that produces a harvest in late summer and early autumn. The fruits are small - the weight of one does not exceed 80 g. The peel is yellow, rough, with a slight red blush. The fruit pulp is yellow, sweet with a light fruity aroma.
Seedlessness can be stored for no more than 1.5 weeks, so it is better to immediately consume the crop or put it into processing. This pear is characterized by frost resistance, self-fertility and constant harvest.
Marble
This type of pear has become widespread both in the Moscow region and in the northern regions of the country. He is not afraid of temperatures down to -30°C. Unpretentious in care. The fruits weigh 130-180 g, sometimes the weight can reach 250 g.
The peel is thick, golden-green with a red blush. The shelf life of the fruit is up to 120 days. The pulp melts in your mouth. Marble variety pears are sweet, with a rich fruity aroma.
Autumn sweet
The trees of this variety are spreading with a dense crown. Fruit ripening occurs in late September - early October. The autumn sweet pear is sugary, with white flesh and a pronounced aroma.
The fruits are round with an average weight of 140 g. The peel is light yellow, sometimes there are brown spots.
To increase the harvest, you need to plant several trees of a different variety next to the Autumn Sweet. This will allow cross-pollination to occur.
Fruits of winter varieties of pears for the Moscow region can last 90 days.
Winter-hardy and scab-resistant
Experienced gardeners near Moscow appreciate the endurance of apple trees to the two most negative factors - frost and scab (a harmful fungus). Breeders from Belarus, the Moscow and Oryol regions, the Bryansk region and other regions are actively working in this direction. It was possible to obtain varieties of apple trees with a complex of valuable traits - frost-resistant and immune to scab.
See also How to plant an apple tree correctly: preparing the planting hole and planting dates
Sergiana
Early autumn, Moscow selection. It has been in the State Register since 2002. The crown height is moderate. The spherical-conical apples weigh 125-165 g. The surface is covered with a rich pink blush. The pulp is creamy yellow, balanced in the content of acids and sugars (4.7 points). Fragrant fruits are stored for 50-60 days.
Rozhdestvenskoe
The early winter variety was bred on Oryol land and since 2001 has been recommended for cultivation in Central Russia. Plants are medium-sized, with regular fruiting. Apples can be consumed immediately after picking or stored for 2-3 months. The taste is harmonious, the consistency is juicy (4.3 points). Fruit size is 180-245 g (up to 450 g). The blush is intense, raspberry pink. One of the disadvantages is the partial falling of ripening fruits.
INTERESTING! The aroma of tropical fruits emanates from the pulp.
Imant
Late winter Belarusian apples can be stored for up to 8 months. The early-fruiting variety was included in the Register of Russia in 2009. The weight of the apples is 145-265 g. They are round with a cone; the surface is purple-burgundy, with a bluish waxy coating. The pulp is creamy, without coarseness, slightly aromatic, sweet with “sourness” (4.3 points). Medium-sized plants are not damaged by black cancer.
Expert opinion
Stanislav Pavlovich
Gardener with 17 years of experience and our expert
Ask a Question
IMPORTANT! In especially harsh winters near Moscow, partial freezing of the crown is possible.
Columnar varieties for the Moscow region
Owners of garden plots in the Moscow region often opt for columnar varieties. This is not surprising, because... They:
- short;
- with a compact pyramid-shaped crown;
- differ in early pregnancy.
Despite the fact that, compared to ordinary varieties, the yield of dwarf varieties is somewhat lower, their popularity does not suffer from this. The best columnar varieties are often chosen:
- Decor;
- Carmen;
- Honey;
- Dalikor.
It is also worth considering that they stop bearing fruit earlier and age earlier compared to classic ones.
Criteria for varietal selection for the Moscow region
Amateur gardeners, when purchasing seedlings for the garden, focus on the result: beautiful photographs of the tree and fruits, a description of their taste, and sometimes, shelf life.
But this choice misses an important starting point - before it bears fruit, the seedling must grow and become stronger. Before the first harvest, the tree needs to survive from 3 to 7 winters: the southern beauty pear will not take root in a garden near Moscow, and if it does take root, it is unlikely to produce good fruit. Let’s set the correct priorities for selection, taking into account the conditions of gardening in central Russia:
- Winter hardiness – let’s give this criterion first place. A crop adapted to temperature changes has a greater chance of pleasing its owners with a harvest.
- Ripening time and yield are two important points. Pears in the snow may look poetic, but they are sad for the hardworking summer resident.
- But the yield data, unfortunately, has a conditional reference parameter. Much depends on the planting location, care and, most importantly, on the weather conditions of the season.
- Disease resistance is an important factor; the more resistant a fruit tree is to diseases and pests, the fewer problems with care.
- The quality of fruits and their keeping quality - we consider this criterion only in fourth place in importance. Dessert pears are more tasty, but they are stored worse. For processing and preservation, varieties with sourness or astringency are suitable.
It is more rational not to limit yourself to buying one seedling. Two or three trees with different ripening periods and characteristics provide both a variety of harvest and additional insurance against climate-related troubles.
Self-fertile pear varieties
Growing pears requires a pollinator. But self-pollinating varieties are becoming increasingly popular. The following self-fertile varieties are often planted in the Moscow region:
- Lada;
- Krasulya;
- August dew;
- Red-sided;
- Muscovite;
- Dressed up Efimova.
But you need to take into account: if there are pollinators, the yield will be about a third higher.
Recommendations for choosing seedlings
- Buy seedlings in specialized stores or at nurseries - this will protect you from deception and low-quality material.
- Pome crops are much stronger than the scion, although their fruiting period begins later. Trees that are ready to bear fruit in 3-4 years have a shorter lifespan than those that “grow up” in 5-7 years.
- It is better to buy annual pear seedlings - their survival rate is higher. Carefully inspect the root system - the roots should be flexible and not dry.
- It is better to purchase seedlings in the fall, while the material is still fresh and viable.
