Santa Fe Botanical Garden

Common name: 'Summercrisp' pear

Family: Rosaceae (Rose)

Distribution: Cultivated

Hardiness: USDA Zone 4 (-30 to -20 °F)

Life form: Tree

Occurrence in New Mexico: Cultivar

Growing Conditions: Fruit trees should not be planted in low areas where cold air accumulates for maximum fruit production. They can be planted in protected areas, such as near buildings or within enclosed walls, but extreme temperatures near west facades may damage trees. Trees can be planted on a north or east slope or on the north side of a building to delay flowering but full sun is needed during the growing season for fruit production. ‘Summercrisp’ needs a cross-pollinator. Bare root or dormant trees should be planted in winter in compost-amended soil with the graft union 2- 5 inches above soil level. Wrapping or painting the trunks with diluted white latex exterior paint or kaolin clay reduces winter sunscald. In New Mexico, pear trees appreciate nitrogen fertilizer in early spring. Staking can provide stability, but should not interfere with a young tree’s natural capacity to resist wind. During the first year, water often enough to keep the soil moist, but avoid over-watering and soggy soil. After the first year, water less frequently but increase the volume. Pruning of pears is only necessary for removing suckers, thinning small branches to improved sunlight penetration, or to control height of the tree.

Description: The ‘Summercrisp’ pear tree can reach 15-25 feet in height and 14 feet wide. The branches are vertical and the tree is bushy, with little trunk visible. The leaves are dark green, glossy, and oval. The fruit is 3-4 inches long and 2½-3½ inches wide, greenish with a red "blush" to it that eventually turns somewhat yellow. ‘Summercrisp’ pears should be picked and eaten when they are somewhat green. They should not be allowed to ripen on or off the tree or else grit cells, a browning of the flesh around the seeds, and a strong aroma will become apparent. Unlike other pear varieties, ‘Summercrisp’ is a reliable annual bearer even when not thinned. ‘Summercrisp’ is resistant to fireblight.