Seckel pears are always a great treat when they can be found in local produce sections of the market. What most people don't realize is that this minute pear species is not a fruit tree that is native to the United States . Seemingly it was brought to the United States by immigrants from Germany and settled in the Philadelphia area around 1790. It is part of the unique agricultural history of the Philadelphia area and uniquely linked with the migration of German speaking immigrants from Philadelphia to the Lancaster, Pennsylvania area in the late 18th century.
According to the story, this pear tree was discovered along the trail taken by migrating Germans to fertile farming areas in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. When discovered, it was growing presumably as a result of throwing the cores of these pears along side of the road after the intensely sweet fruit was consumed.
The fruit of the tree was so highly regarded, the location of the trees were closely guarded by local residents in order to keep the tasty fruits all to themselves. The tree was also grown at Bartram's Gardens as well on the western side of the Schulykill River near Gray's Ferry. Today, the tree is available from many orchards and fruit tree specialists online.
As a horticultural hobbyist I thought it would be a great idea to try growing a dwarfed specimen of this tree this year in a container. I am patiently waiting for the shipment from Stark Brothers that is due sometime after February 23rd. If you like unique plants, you might want to try growing this tree with a great American legacy. as the season develops and hopefully my tree takes root...I will keep you posted. If you want to buy the tree online...act quickly they sell out fast. I waited from last year to purchase my tree....
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