Hardy Rootstocks
We carry a selection of rootstocks that we consider to be some of the
best
options for home or commercial use. Even without grafting, any of these
will
produce fruit suitable for wildlife. For rootstocks we do not currently
stock, or for larger calipers or larger quantities, please
contact us
for information. We also offer
knives and grafting supplies
in the Organic Growers Supply branch of Fedco.
Please note! We do our best to provide ¼" caliper stock.
Because of factors beyond our control (such as weather!) stock may
be
3/16–3/8". We cannot guarantee scion or rootstock
diameter.
Please join us in late March for the annual
Seed Swap and Scionwood Exchange,
held every Spring at MOFGA in Unity, ME. Visit
mofga.org
to learn about other organic orcharding classes and events.
Pears
Native to temperate Europe and Asia, pears can grow up
to
100' tall in the
wild. Many pear varieties are hardy in New England but tend to take
longer
to come into bearing than apples and might not bear every year. Farther
south, pears tend to bear annually. Pick fruit when green and ripen it
on
the shelf. Or, for optimal eating, try this method, from Ed Fackler of
Rocky
Mountain Orchard: “…when fruits exhibit slight color
changes,
begin to test pressure (using your thumb) near the stem. When there is a
slight ‘give,’ pick all the fruit, store at or near 35°
for 7 or
more days. Then remove them as needed, allow them to sit at room temps
for
2–4 days which allows them to ripen to peak flavor.” Pears
are
on OHxF97 and will reach 25' or taller at maturity. (2½–6'
trees)
Perry Pears Perry is fermented pear juice—the
pear
equivalent of hard cider. While
you can ferment any pear juice, the best perry is made from small dry
astringent varieties selected over the centuries just for that purpose.
Most
of these perry pears are not suitable for fresh eating or cooking. These
trees are a good investment—they should live to be about 300 years
old.
Growing European Pears
- Soil: Prefers well-drained fertile soil.
- Sun: Full.
- Pollination: We recommend planting a second variety
for
pollination, though some pears may be self-pollinating. Bloom times
are
similar for all varieties we offer.
- Planting and Pruning: See our
planning and planting
and pests and diseases
pages for more information about soil prep, planting, pruning, and
pest control.
- Spacing: 15–20' apart.
There are thousands of named Asian pear cultivars in
China,
where they have
been grown for more than 2000 years. They bear young and are long-lived.
Asian pears differ from European pears: they are crisper and very juicy,
sweet and mild with a nutty background, and are roundish in shape.
Because
they set heavily, thin the crop once or even twice during the first two
months after bloom to ensure large fruit. Leave about one fruit per
spur.
Unlike European pears, they should be tree-ripened. When the seeds are
black, the pears are ready. They ripen in late summer and keep for
several
weeks with refrigeration.
Asian pears reach 15–20' at maturity.
Growing Asian Pears
- Soil: Prefers well-drained fertile soil.
- Sun: Full.
- Pollination: We recommend planting a second variety
for
pollination, though some Asian pears may be self-pollinating. Some
European pears, notably Bartlett, will also act as pollinators.
- Spacing: 15–20' apart.
- Planting and Pruning: See our
planning and planting
and pests and diseases
pages for more information about soil prep, planting, pruning, and
pest control.
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