Luscious® Pear Tree

Luscious is a South Dakota-bred dessert pear introduced in 1973 for northern growing conditions. Its medium to small, bright yellow fruit is juicy and sweet, and the tree is described as globe-shaped with glossy green foliage and red fall color. ## Bloom, fruit, and pollination The cultivar blooms in early May and ripens early. Luscious is pollen-sterile, so it cannot pollinate another pear; a compatible partner such as Parker is needed for fruit production. Its reported fire-blight resistance is useful in regions where the disease is a concern. ## Growing conditions Plant in full sun. One nursery profile gives a mature range of about 12–15 feet tall and 8–12 feet wide; rootstock and pruning also affect the final size. The South Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station’s 1973 bulletin introduced Luscious as a high-quality dessert pear for northern climates. Sources: [SDSU Agricultural Experiment Station bulletin](https://openprairie.sdstate.edu/agexperimentsta_bulletins/623/), [Luscious pear profile](https://mandysnursery.com/products/luscious-pear-fruit). ## Maintenance Prune to maintain an open framework and remove damaged or crowded branches. Water during establishment and fruit development, and follow local disease guidance for pome fruit.