Moonglow pollinators - Ask Extension
Hi, we have 2 moonglow pear trees that are greater than 5 years old and have not had any fruit. We understand we need pollinators - can you send u...
Knowledgebase
Moonglow pollinators #227092
Asked February 08, 2015, 6:22 PM EST
Hi, we have 2 moonglow pear trees that are greater than 5 years old and have not had any fruit. We understand we need pollinators - can you send us a list with a description of the fruit? The trees are planted between Wimberley and San Marcos. We are looking for the best tasting pears that are resistant to fire blight. thanks, paula
Hays County Texas
Expert Response
Moonglow was developed and released by the USDA at Beltsville, Md. in 1960. The tree is vigorous, upright, and bears at an early age. The fruit are large and attractive with juicy, subacid flesh which has very few grit cells. Moonglow is a good fresh eating and processing pear that ripens early in the season. The skin has been reported to be bitter but not objectionable. This would be the best pollinator for all other trees grown around this area. This variety hits the chilling hours here almost perfectly at 700 hours.
Regarding pollinators, probably use an Orient. It will cross pollinate the moonglow and has excellent fruit qualities and resistance to disease. Orients also do well in central Texas.
Regarding pollinators, probably use an Orient. It will cross pollinate the moonglow and has excellent fruit qualities and resistance to disease. Orients also do well in central Texas.
What months are considered early, mid and late bloomers for pears in central Texas? Do you have an reference that you can send me of pollinators, chill hours?
Most varieties of pears ripen in August and into early September. Kieffer is a little later in ripening, September through October.
One reference that contains information on chilling hour can be found at http://bexar-tx.tamu.edu/earth-kind-horticulture/best-plants-for-bexar-county-south-texas/. Click on the link for "Suggested List for Fruit and Nut Varieties" and then click on pears.
A reference related to pollinators can be found at http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/garden/07002.html. Keep in mind, this reference is from Colorado. The varieties grown there might be different than what is grown in central Texas.
One reference that contains information on chilling hour can be found at http://bexar-tx.tamu.edu/earth-kind-horticulture/best-plants-for-bexar-county-south-texas/. Click on the link for "Suggested List for Fruit and Nut Varieties" and then click on pears.
A reference related to pollinators can be found at http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/garden/07002.html. Keep in mind, this reference is from Colorado. The varieties grown there might be different than what is grown in central Texas.
