Pear (European), Moonglow, Bare Root

Pear (European), Moonglow (Pyrus communis ‘Moonglow’)

Moonglow is a versatile and vigorous European pear variety known for its excellent fire blight resistance, smooth, juicy fruit, and reliable production. The fruit is medium to large, with yellow-green skin, a slight red blush, and tender, fine-grained flesh. It has a mild, sweet flavor with low acidity and ripens in late August to early September, making it an ideal fresh-eating pear and a great choice for light baking and preserving.

Bred by the USDA as part of a disease-resistant pear breeding program, Moonglow is especially valuable for low-input and organic orchard systems. It’s partially self-fertile, but fruit set improves with a nearby pollination partner such as Bartlett, Luscious, or Summer Crisp. Hardy in USDA Zones 5–8, it blooms in early spring with fragrant white flowers that attract pollinators. With its combination of reliability, disease resistance, and quality fruit, Moonglow is a go-to variety for regenerative growers and backyard orchardists alike.

Key Characteristics

• Smooth-textured, juicy fruit with mild flavor
  Moonglow pears are sweet, low-acid, and have a fine, tender texture. Best harvested firm and ripened off the tree for peak flavor and smoothness.
• Highly resistant to fire blight
  One of the most disease-resistant European pear varieties available. Ideal for organic growers and anyone wanting to reduce chemical inputs in their orchard.
• Partially self-fertile, but better with a pollinator
  Will bear fruit on its own, but production is improved when planted with compatible varieties like Bartlett, Luscious, or Summer Crisp.
• Reliable, productive tree for diverse climates
  Hardy and productive in USDA Zones 5–8. Tolerates a variety of soil types and performs consistently with proper sun and drainage.
• Pollinator-supporting early spring blooms
  Fragrant white flowers support bees and beneficial insects, making Moonglow a good contributor to orchard biodiversity and spring pollination cycles.

Product Details

• Sun requirements: Full sun
• Soil requirements: Medium, well-drained
• Bloom time: Early spring
• Bloom color: White
• Fruit qualities: Medium to large; yellow-green skin with red blush; sweet, smooth, low-acid flesh
• Fruit uses: Fresh eating, light baking, preserving
• Fruit ripening month: Late August to early September
• Required chill hours: ~800–1,000
• Pollination requirements: Partially self-fertile; best with Bartlett, Summer Crisp, or Luscious
• USDA Hardiness zones: 5–8

Moonglow is a smart, resilient choice for anyone looking to grow pears with fewer pest and disease issues. With sweet, smooth fruit and dependable performance, it’s a top pick for food forests, backyard orchards, and regenerative systems.