Grow your own pears

Flowers on the Kiefer pear are large and white with 5 petals and form a cluster. Leaves are glossy green, finely toothed and alternate on the stem.

As expensive as fruit is in the grocery store, you might want to consider growing your own. One great variety is the Kieffer Pear.

You get two for one with the Kieffer pear as it is a beautiful, graceful ornamental as well as a fruit-bearing tree. Maturing at about 30' in height it will have a 12 to 25' wide oval or rounded crown. Dwarf forms mature at 12 to 15' in height.

You need to plant in full sun in slightly acidic soil that is moist, but well-drained. A very good characteristic is that it will tolerate other soil conditions as well as occasional drought. It is good to plant with at least one other pear cultivar to help assure pollination.

Kiefer pears are large and golden with crimson spots or blush. The flesh is crispy, white and somewhat coarse texture. Harvest from mid-September thru October.