Moonglow Pear Tree
Description
About the Moonglow Pear
The Moonglow Pear, a variety originating from Maryland and introduced in 1960, stands out for its distinct features. Its large, blushed fruit draws attention, resembling the popular Bartlett pear but with a unique character.
Unlike other pears, the Moonglow boasts a soft, juicy texture that avoids the undesirable mushiness often encountered. Moonglow pears can be enjoyed fresh, as well as used in cooking, canning, and freezing to preserve your harvest.
Its disease-resistant nature, particularly to fire blight, ensures the tree’s longevity and consistent fruit-bearing capacity. Notably, the Moonglow Pear serves as an effective pollinator for various pear varieties, adding to its practical value.
How to Grow the Moonglow Pear Tree
Cultivating the Moonglow Pear tree involves strategic planning for a productive outcome. Its resistance to fire blight, a common concern, is a noteworthy advantage, contributing to the tree’s endurance. Moreover, this variety significantly aids in pollination, benefiting adjacent pear trees. With a harvest window in September, the Moonglow Pear provides a rewarding yield.
This unassuming yet fruitful tree stands as a testament to practicality and reliability in home orchards.
See recommended pollinators below.
Survival Guaranteed!


Since 1816, Stark Bro’s has promised to provide customers with the very best fruit trees and plants. It’s just that simple. If your trees or plants do not survive, please let us know within one year of delivery. We will send you a free one-time replacement, with a nominal shipping fee of $9.99. If the item in question is not available, we can issue a one-time credit to your account equaling the original product purchase price or issue you a refund. Read more about our warranty policy.
Characteristics
Bloom Color | White |
Bloom Time | Early - Mid |
Chill Hours | 700 |
Fruit Color | Red |
Fruit Size | Medium - Large |
Hardiness Zone Range | 5 - 8 |
Pollination | Pollinator Required |
Ripens/Harvest | September |
Shade/Sun | Full Sun |
Soil Composition | Loamy |
Soil Moisture | Well Drained |
Soil pH Level | 6.0 - 7.0 |
Taste | Mild, Subacid |
Texture | Soft, Juicy |
Years to Bear | 4 - 6 |
Size & Spacing
Mature Size
Standard | 18 - 20' tall x 12 - 13' wide |
Semi-Dwarf | 12 - 15' tall x 9 - 11' wide |
Dwarf | 8 - 10' tall x 6 - 7' wide |
Recommended Spacing
Standard | 18 - 20' |
Semi-Dwarf | 12 - 15' |
Dwarf | 8 - 10' |
Zone Compatibility
Pollination
Tools & Supplies
Planting & Care
Learn all about how to grow pear trees in The Growing Guide. An entire section of our website dedicated to your growing success.
Shipping Information
Arrives when it's time to plant
Questions & Answers
There is enough overlap in their bloom times for them to cross-pollinate.
Pears make wonderful chutney.
I plant Moonglow, Bartlett and Starkling delicious together. I have about 30 of
each kind and they seem to be doing great.
Yes, it would. The two pears have similar bloom times.
Thank you for your question. First, do a soil test to check the pH (it should be between 5.5 - 6.5 for apple trees) and see which nutrients it might be missing. Then fertilize accordingly. Is the tree getting at least 6 hours of full sun? Are your trees compatible pollinators, or the same variety? If the latter, that's why you're not getting a crop. There are other reasons a tree might not be bearing fruit as you expect. This article details some basic fruit tree requirements for fruit production.
//www.starkbros.com/growing-guide/article/fruit-tree-blooming-bearing-problems
The deer ate all the leaves of the tree immediately after I planted it. I then put up a fence around the tree and the tree has been growing well since then. The tree is now about 7ft tall.
Yes, Bartlett, Moonglow and Clapp's Favorite are excellent for canning.
We appreciate you reaching out to us. We use several different rootstocks, depending upon the desired result and what is available. For that reason, we're unable to guarantee a specific rootstock.
If you have any further questions please don't hesitate to reach back out to us. Have a great day!
Hi Tamie, The only way to know for sure is if you're aware of the bloom time of the tree you have. The Moonglow Pear Tree is an early-mid season bloomer so if your pear tree blooms early it might work.
More than likley this tree is still dormant. We recommend you try a scratch test: //www.starkbros.com/growing-guide/article/how-to-do-a-scratch-test
If that test determines the tree is no longer living and in need of replacement, please contact our Customer Support Team at 800.325.4180. They'd be happy to help.
A later dropping pear, work good with my other pear trees
Good pollinator, sounds like it will be sweet and juicy. I like that it is a good canning pear and disease resistant.
Price
I have 2 other pear tress and this seemed like a nice extra cross pollinator to add to the mix.