$39.00
Spaulding Pear Tree, also known as Spalding Pear, is a Southern pear valued for its flavorful fruit, vigorous growth, and early harvest season. The medium-sized pears have light green to yellow skin with juicy, aromatic flesh that combines a pleasant crispness with a softer European-pear texture as the fruit finishes ripening.
The sweet, mellow pears are especially enjoyable for fresh eating. They may also be used for preserves, jams, baking, slicing, canning, and homemade pear recipes.
Spaulding is considered partially self-fertile, which means one tree may produce some fruit when planted alone. However, planting another compatible pear nearby is recommended for a larger and more dependable crop.
PLANT DETAILS
• Botanical name: Pyrus communis ‘Spalding’
• Also known as: Spalding Pear
• Pear type: Southern-adapted European-type pear
• Fruit size: Medium
• Fruit color: Light green, becoming more yellow as it matures
• Flavor: Sweet, juicy, mellow, and aromatic
• Texture: Crisp when first harvested, becoming softer as it ripens
• Harvest season: Early pear season, generally during summer depending on location and weather
• Mature size: Approximately 15–20 feet tall and wide with pruning
• Sun requirements: Full sun with at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight
• Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil
• Pollination: Partially self-fertile; another compatible pear is recommended
• Best uses: Fresh eating, slicing, preserves, jams, baking, canning, and edible landscapes
• USDA zones: Commonly grown in Zones 7–9
POLLINATION
Spaulding is considered partially self-fertile, so a single tree may produce some pears. Cross-pollination from another compatible variety can improve fruit set and help the tree produce a larger, more dependable crop.
BEST POLLINATOR PARTNERS FROM OUR SELECTION
• Hood Pear
• Flordahome Pear
• Baldwin Pear
• Kieffer Pear
• Orient Pear
Kieffer may be one of the most useful pollination partners because its flowering period may overlap with Spaulding during favorable years.
Actual flowering times can vary depending on winter temperatures, spring weather, tree age, and location. Two varieties must bloom at approximately the same time for successful cross-pollination.
NORTH FLORIDA GROWING NOTE
Spaulding is a Southern pear that may be a good choice for inland sections of North Florida, the Florida Panhandle, South Alabama, and nearby Gulf Coast areas.
Its local performance is not as well documented as varieties such as Hood, Flordahome, Orient, Pineapple, or Baldwin. Fruit production may vary depending on winter chill, spring weather, pollination, and disease pressure.
For the best results:
• Plant in full sun with good morning light
• Choose fertile, well-drained soil
• Provide good air circulation around the tree
• Plant a compatible pear variety nearby
• Water regularly while the tree becomes established
• Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer
• Prune lightly to develop strong, spreading branches
• Watch for fire blight during warm, wet spring weather
Chill requirement: Approximately 150 chill hours
FIRE-BLIGHT NOTE
Spaulding should not be described as completely fire-blight resistant. Some sources describe it as susceptible to fire blight.
Fire blight can cause flowers, shoots, and small branches to suddenly turn brown or black and appear scorched. Avoid heavy nitrogen fertilization and excessive pruning because rapid, tender growth is more vulnerable to infection.
Remove damaged shoots promptly and sanitize pruning tools between cuts.
HARVESTING AND RIPENING
Harvest Spaulding pears when they are mature but still firm and beginning to change from dark green to a lighter green or yellowish color.
Like many European-type pears, Spaulding develops its best flavor and texture when picked before it becomes completely soft on the tree. Allow the fruit to finish ripening indoors at room temperature.
The pear is ready to eat when the flesh near the neck gives slightly under gentle pressure.
LOCAL PICKUP, LIMITED SHIPPING AND WHOLESALE
Most pear trees are available for local pickup at our nursery in DeFuniak Springs, Florida.
Limited shipping may be available for select smaller plants or trees. Please contact us before ordering if shipping is needed. Shipping charges are calculated separately.
Wholesale availability may be offered to landscapers, farms, garden centers, and other qualified buyers. Availability and minimum quantities may vary.
Advanced Nursery Growers
1911 McLeod Road
DeFuniak Springs, FL 32435
Phone: (850) 391-2228
Email: info@advancednurserygrowers.com
