Pear (European), Summer Crisp, Bare Root

Pear (European), Summer Crisp (Pyrus communis ‘Summer Crisp’)

Summer Crisp is a European pear selected for its exceptional cold hardiness, early ripening, and crisp, refreshing texture — making it an ideal variety for growers in northern climates. Developed in Minnesota, this pear ripens in mid to late August and is meant to be harvested while still firm and eaten crisp, not soft like traditional European pears. The fruit is medium-sized with green skin and a rosy red blush, and the white flesh is sweet, mildly aromatic, and lightly crunchy when picked at peak.

This variety is self-fertile, but will produce heavier crops with a pollination partner like Bartlett, Moonglow, or Luscious. Summer Crisp is highly resistant to fire blight, making it a reliable choice for low-input, organic, and regenerative orchard systems. Its upright form and early spring blooms also make it a valuable component of food forests and orchard guilds in Zones 3–7, where most other pears would struggle.

Key Characteristics

• Early-ripening, crisp-textured fruit
  Harvest in mid to late August and eat while firm for a refreshing, sweet flavor and satisfying crunch. Not meant for soft ripening — best enjoyed like an Asian pear.
• Exceptionally cold-hardy
  One of the most reliable pear varieties for cold northern climates. Hardy to Zone 3, Summer Crisp thrives where many other European pears cannot.
• Highly disease resistant
  Shows strong resistance to fire blight, a common pear disease, making it ideal for organic and low-maintenance orchards.
• Self-fertile but better with a partner
  Will produce some fruit on its own but sets heavier crops when cross-pollinated with another European pear like Bartlett, Moonglow, or Luscious.
• Great for food forests and permaculture systems
  Upright and compact, Summer Crisp fits well into fruit tree guilds, edible hedgerows, and mixed-layer orchards. Spring blossoms support early-season pollinators.

Product Details

• Sun requirements: Full sun
• Soil requirements: Medium, well-drained
• Bloom time: Early spring
• Bloom color: White
• Fruit qualities: Green with red blush, crisp white flesh, sweet, mildly aromatic
• Fruit uses: Fresh eating, light preserving, crisp storage pear
• Fruit ripening month: Mid to late August
• Required chill hours: ~800–1,000
• Pollination requirements: Self-fertile; better with Bartlett, Moonglow, or Luscious
• USDA Hardiness zones: 3–7

Summer Crisp is a rugged and rewarding pear for cold climates, offering crisp texture, clean flavor, and dependable yields with minimal care. A must-have for northern growers and resilient orchard systems.