Tips on growing apples and pears
The secret to growing apples and pears is to do your homework before you plant, says Contra Costa Master Gardener Darlene DeRose.
For success, DeRose says, you need to consider your climate, your soil, what kind of fruit you enjoy and when you want it.
Here are DeRose’s tips on getting started.
• Decide what variety or varieties that you like. DeRose says there’s no need in growing fruit that you don’t really care for, and with more than 40 types of apples and about two dozen of pears that do well in the Bay Area, you’ve got a lot of choice.
• Pick the time of year you’d like your fruit to mature. Some varieties will be ripe in early summer, while others won’t be mature until fall.
• Apples and pears need chill hours in order to produce, so check your climate and growing zones, then pick the variety that is best suited.
• You’ll also need to pay attention to the rootstock. All commercial growers pick a sturdy rootstock and then graft on the variety. However, there are some rootstocks that don’t do well in clay soil, so do some more homework before making your final selections.
• Another thing to know is whether the tree you’re selecting needs to be pollinated or is self-fertile. Those that need pollination will require a second tree nearby.
• Another decision to make is whether you buy a potted tree or a bare-root tree. There are advantages and disadvantages to both. Potted trees are available any time, while bare-root trees are available, generally, in winter. Potted trees, however, might be bareroot trees that didn’t sell and were potted by the seller, and bare-root trees are not very attractive when planted. Both can do well for you.