Why Won't Cleveland Pear Trees Flower in the Spring?
- North Dakota State University Cooperative Extension's website mentions that lack of sunlight can retard flower production in pear trees. If in spring the tree is not receiving at least eight hours of direct sun rays daily, flowering may not happen. Flower buds are susceptible to frost. If the buds develop and a subfreezing cold snap follows, these buds will be fully killed. Cleveland pear also must have a enough of a chilly winter dormancy to develop springtime blossoms -- grow them in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 5 through 8.
- Smith also mentions that improper fertilization, particularly with products overly rich in nitrogen, promotes leaf and stem growth, not flowering. Phosphorus promotes blossoming, so ensure lawn surrounding the Cleveland pear isn't being overfed with nitrogen-rich fertilizers.
- If growing in full sun and healthy, Cleveland pear is known to flower heavily according to Dr. Michael Dirr's book, "Dirr's Hardy Trees and Shrubs." If the trees are not flowering, perhaps you have standard "wild species" callery pear or common pear that is not of an age when flowering happens.