Kieffer Pear Tree

Light Needs

Full Sun

(At Least 6 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

15-25 Feet

Mature Spread

5-10 Feet

Growing Zones

4 to 9

Kieffer Pear Tree is a tough, productive classic that gives you baskets of crisp, aromatic pears with minimal fuss. Its vigorous, upright habit and clouds of white spring blossoms look beautiful while setting up a generous late-season harvest.

Fruit ripens from firm to tender-sweet off the tree, which makes it perfect for canning, baking, and fresh snacking. Heat tolerant, adaptable, and reliably fruitful across a wide range of climates, Kieffer is a great choice for first-time growers and seasoned orchardists alike.

Kieffer Pear Tree Care

Plant in full sun with 6–8+ hours of direct light for best bloom and yields. Provide well-drained soil enriched with compost; slightly acidic to neutral pH 6.0–7.0 is ideal. Water deeply the first year (about once weekly, or when the top 2 inches of soil are dry); once established, water during prolonged dry spells, especially midsummer. Apply 2–3 inches of mulch, keeping it a few inches from the trunk. Feed in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fruit tree fertilizer; avoid heavy nitrogen that encourages leafy growth over flowers.

Prune in late winter to maintain a central-leader structure, remove crossing branches, and open the canopy for airflow. Self-fruitful in many regions, but yields improve with a second pear of similar bloom time. Typical harvest is late September to October, depending on climate. Hardy in Zones 5–9 and noted for good fire blight tolerance compared to many pears.

Kieffer Pear Tree Spacing

For a specimen, allow 15–20 feet of width and plant 12–18 feet from buildings or other trees to show off the canopy and ensure sun and airflow. In rows or small orchards, space 15–18 feet on center; tighter at 12–14 feet if you plan annual size-control pruning. Keep 4–6 feet back from paths and driveways for comfortable clearance.

Container growing is possible only short term due to vigor; if starting in a pot, use a 20–24 inch wide container (15–25 gallons) with drainage and plan to transplant to the ground within 1–2 years. If grafted, plant with the graft union 2–3 inches above the soil and remove any suckers that arise below it.

Why Grow Kieffer Pear Tree?

• Big, reliable harvests of versatile pears that shine in pies, preserves, and right off the cutting board.

• Tough, adaptable tree with good heat tolerance and notable fire blight resistance.

• Easy annual care: a spring feeding, winter pruning, and occasional deep watering in drought.

• Four-season appeal with spring bloom, lush summer foliage, golden fruit in fall, and a graceful winter silhouette.

Bring home a pear you can count on. Plant Kieffer Pear Tree now for beauty in spring and pantry-worthy fruit when autumn arrives.