If you only have a balcony, you can still grow pears. After all, there are also dwarf pear varieties that thrive on the balcony.
The tasty pear not only grows on the large pear tree, but also on special small-format varieties. But only the tree is small, because the fruits still reach the normal size of a pear. So all those who only have a balcony don't have to do without the fresh fruit.
Several hardy varieties are suitable for the balcony and terrace if the location is mostly sunny and sheltered. Read here which varieties are suitable for the balcony and terrace and why you should plan enough space for at least two pear trees.
These varieties do well in pots
Williams:
The Williams variety grows well in a sheltered and sunny spot on the balcony or terrace. The soil should be loose and nutritious. The compact tree takes up very little space. In autumn, the dwarf variety "Williams" bears large fruits.
Little Queen:
The Little Queen dwarf pear tree is a miniature foot trunk and remains permanently small with a growth height of about 90 to 120 centimeters. The sweet, yellow-green fruits are bottle-shaped and ripe from September. They taste very aromatic.
Doyenne du Comice:
The high-yielding variety Doyenne du Comice reaches a height of 75 to 100 centimeters when fully grown. The width is about 50 to 75 centimeters. The tree does not make any special demands on the soil, but the location should be sunny again. The tasty pears ripen in September and October.
Helenchen:
The Helenchen dwarf pear produces large, sweet and aromatic fruits that are ripe from the beginning of October. The green shell shows a red overcolor on the sunny side. Helenchen grows to about one meter high and thrives particularly well in a bucket that stands against the sheltered wall of the house.
Condo:
You can get very large fruits from the Condo variety. The tree reaches a height of about 1.50 to 1.80 meters. A sufficiently large bucket is therefore important so that the tree retains its stability.
Fertilization and Overwintering
So that the blossomsare fertilized, two pear trees are usually necessary. The Luisa variety pollinates itself. Two of the same specimens are ideal here. Other varieties need so-called partner pears. This is the case, for example, with the Helenchen variety. The varieties Luisa, Conference, Condora or Williams are suitable as pollinating pears. The partner pear does not necessarily have to be on your own balcony. If dwarf pears or normal pears are also growing in the vicinity, the chances of a rich yield are good. Just ask when you buy which partner pears the dwarf trees need.
Most varieties are hardy and frost-resistant down to minus 15 degrees Celsius. You should still protect the pot with a cover. A jute sack with straw is well suited. Here are some more tips on planting pear trees in pots.