Pear
Kieffer Pollination Guide
Kieffer can set some fruit on its own, but produces significantly better crops with a pollination partner.
While Kieffer has some ability to self-pollinate, you'll get noticeably larger harvests and better fruit quality with a compatible variety planted nearby. For the best results, plant one of the recommended partners within 50–100 feet.
Kieffer Quick Facts
Chill Hours
350 hours
Hardiness Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Harvest
October
Pollination Note
European-Asian hybrid — can be pollinated by either European or Asian pears
Planning Your Orchard
Pear trees should be planted within 50–100 feet of a compatible partner. European pears (Bartlett, Anjou, Bosc) cross-pollinate each other well. Asian pears can also be pollinated by European pears if bloom times overlap. Space standard pear trees 20–25 feet apart, or 12–15 feet for dwarf rootstock.
Keep a record of every tree you plant — variety, rootstock, location.
Start your free tree log →Compatible Pollination Partners
Can I Grow Kieffer?
Check if your climate has enough chill hours for Kieffer. Enter your zip code for an instant answer.
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Compare pollination compatibility across all 60+ fruit tree varieties in our database.
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About Kieffer
Kieffer is the tough, adaptable pear for difficult climates — a European-Asian hybrid with exceptional disease resistance and low chill requirements. Best for canning and preserves rather than fresh eating.
Growing Challenges
Gritty texture and mild flavor make it poor for fresh eating; primarily a cooking pear.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can European pears pollinate Kieffer?
Yes, most European pear varieties can cross-pollinate each other. Good partners for Kieffer include Bartlett, Bosc, D'Anjou.
How close does a pollinator need to be to Kieffer?
For reliable pollination, plant the partner variety within 50–100 feet of Kieffer. Bees are the primary pollinators and typically work within this range. In practice, a tree in your yard or even a neighbor's nearby tree can work. The closer the trees, the more consistent the fruit set.
Can I grow just one Kieffer tree?
You can, but you'll get significantly better harvests with a compatible partner nearby. Kieffer is partially self-fertile — it will set some fruit alone, but cross-pollination dramatically improves yield and fruit quality.
Other Pear Varieties
Related Tools
Pollination Checker
Interactive tool to find compatible pollination partners for any fruit tree.
Can I Grow Kieffer?
Check if your zip code has enough chill hours for this variety.
Chill Hour Checker
Validate chill hours for any fruit tree variety by zip code.
Frost Date Finder
Find your first and last frost dates to plan bloom protection.
Pollination data compiled from university extension services, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) pollination group charts, RosBREED cherry S-allele research, and nursery compatibility guides. Pollination compatibility can vary by region and microclimate. For best results, consult your local extension office.