Pineapple Pear

Plant Type: deciduous fruit tree
Plant Height: 12–15 feet (semi-dwarf)
Spread: 10–12 feet
Flower Color: white
Sun Exposure: Full sun

Pineapple Pear (Pyrus communis ‘Pineapple’): Low-Chill Pear with Distinctive Flavor

Pineapple Pear is a hardy, low-chill pear variety well-suited for warm climates like Arizona. It produces medium to large, yellow-skinned fruit with a firm, crisp texture and a distinctive sweet-tart flavor reminiscent of pineapple. Blooming with showy white flowers in spring, it’s both an ornamental and productive tree for edible landscapes.

Key Features of Pineapple Pear

• Unique Flavor: Sweet-tart fruit with a tropical pineapple-like undertone.
• Low Chill Requirement: Needs only about 150–200 chill hours, ideal for desert and mild-winter climates.
• Early Season Harvest: Ripens in late summer, typically July through August.
• Ornamental Appeal: Spring blossoms provide seasonal beauty and attract pollinators.

Growing and Care Tips

Pineapple Pear is self-fertile but benefits from cross-pollination with other low-chill pear varieties for larger harvests.

Soil: Prefers fertile, well-draining soil; amend clay for improved drainage.
Water: Deep water every 7–10 days during the growing season, especially during fruit development.
Fertilizer: Apply balanced fruit tree fertilizer in early spring and again after harvest.
Pruning: Prune in late winter to open the canopy, improve airflow, and encourage new fruiting wood.

Landscaping Uses

• Edible Landscapes: Provides both spring flowers and flavorful fruit.
• Backyard Orchards: Perfect for pairing with other low-chill pears like Hood or Flordahome.
• Pollinator Gardens: White blossoms attract bees and other beneficial insects.
• Small Yards: Compact size makes it manageable for home gardeners.

Summary

Pineapple Pear is a unique fruit tree that offers both ornamental beauty and delicious, distinctive fruit. Its low chill requirement, early ripening, and adaptability make it an excellent choice for Arizona landscapes.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): Pineapple Pear

Planting Guide:

Location: Full sun with good air circulation.
Soil: Well-draining fertile soil is preferred.
Spacing: Plant 10–12 feet apart for semi-dwarf trees.
Planting Depth: Keep graft union 2–3 inches above soil level.
Support: Young trees may need staking for the first year.

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Water deeply after planting.
• Frequency: Every 5–7 days for the first 2–3 months.
• Watering Amount: Enough to soak soil 12–18 inches deep.

When is the Plant Established?

• Usually after 1 year of consistent watering and strong seasonal growth.

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Deep water every 7–10 days; increase during fruit set.
• Winter: Water every 3–4 weeks if dry.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

Placement of Emitters: Place 2–3 emitters around the drip line.
Flow Rate: 2 gallons per hour.
Number of Emitters: Two for young trees; three to four for mature ones.
Adjusting Frequency: Increase during fruit development or extreme heat; reduce in cooler weather.

General Watering Tips for Pineapple Pear:

• Soil Check: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during bloom and fruiting.
• Avoid Drought Stress: Dry conditions can lead to smaller fruit or premature drop.
• Mulch: Apply 2–3 inches of mulch to conserve soil moisture and regulate temperature, keeping mulch away from the trunk base.