Type
European hybrid, needs pollinizer
Pear variety
Kieffer Pear
A vigorous, heat-tolerant pear with crisp, firm fruit. It is commonly grown in the South and is best used for processing rather than soft dessert fruit.
Season
fall
Best for
canning, baking, warm climates
About Kieffer
Kieffer is a vigorous, productive hybrid pear with large yellow fruit often marked by a red blush. Its coarse, firm flesh is best for canning, baking, and preserves rather than buttery fresh eating, and the tree has useful fire-blight tolerance.
Growing Kieffer Pear
Kieffer is commonly grown in warmer and more humid pear regions because of its toughness, but it benefits from a compatible pollinizer for fuller crops. Harvest when fruit is mature and firm, then allow it to ripen indoors.
Full growing guide
For planting, care, pollination, and harvest that apply to all pear, see the complete guide.
How to grow PearOther pear varieties
Variety characteristics are general guidance for US home gardens; chill hours, hardiness, and pollination vary, so confirm suitability for your zone. Availability differs by supplier. Page updated Aug 4, 2026.