K-State horticulture expert shares tips on growing popular fruit crops
Two of Kansas gardeners’ favored fruits may need attention now as the calendar hits mid-August.
Kansas State University horticulture expert Cynthia Domenghini said pears are typically ready for harvest through October, depending on the variety.
“Pears left to ripen on the tree may develop a gritty texture,” Domenghini said. “Harvesting pears at maturity but before peak ripeness, along with a chilling period, can bring out the sweet flavors.”
Domenghini said pears change to a darker green color when ready for harvest. Some varieties will have brown spots on the skin.
“These are the fruits’ ‘breathing pores,’ known as lenticels,” she said. “On immature pears, the lenticels are white or greenish-white. Mature fruit will develop a waxy coating and separates easily from the branch when twisted. There should also be a pear aroma at maturity.”
To harvest pears, carefully lift the fruit at an angle and twist. Avoid damaging the twig where it is attached because that may negatively impact fruit development next year.
Domenghini said harvested pears should be refrigerated at 31 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit for two days to several weeks, depending on the variety.
“Remove pears from the cold storage and allow them to sit at 60-65 F for 1-3 weeks to finish ripening,” she said. “Fruit may rot instead of ripening if conditions are too warm.”
Mid-August is also a good time to give strawberry beds some attention, Domenghini said.
“Strawberries should be fertilized to support fruit development next spring,” she said. “Sunlight and warm temperatures from June through August promote runners and daughter plant development. As the daylight hours decrease and temperature begins lowering into September and October, fruit buds start to develop, which is why (August) is the best time to fertilize.”
Nitrogen can be applied as part of a complete fertilizer (such as 12-12-12) at a rate of ¾ to 1 pound per 25 row feet, according to Domenghini.
“Alternatively, urea (46-0-0) can be applied at a rate of ¼ to 1/3 pounds per 25 row feet,” she said. “Apply one-half inch of water after fertilizing to dissolve and move the nitrogen into the soil.”
Domenghini and her colleagues in K-State’s Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources produce a weekly Horticulture Newsletter with tips for maintaining home landscapes and gardens. The newsletter is available to view online or can be delivered by email each week.
Interested persons can subscribe to the weekly newsletter, or submit their garden and yard-related questions, by sending email to [email protected]. More information also is available at your local K-State Research and Extension office.
PHOTO: Shiny delicious pears hanging from a tree branch in the orchard. (Adobe Stock │ #117799432 – kostik2photo)
