Pears

ripe pear hanging on a tree
ripe pear hanging on a tree

Introduction

Homegrown pears are an autumnal treat, something to look forward to all year round. They are deliciously sweet, and there are many cultivars that cope well with the UK climate.

Similar to apples, there are cooking varieties (that are not commonly grown) and dessert varieties. Depending on the variety chosen, pears will be ripe for picking from August until late October.

Planting

  • Pears are best planted when dormant in late autumn, but can be planted until March
  • Plant spacing is dependent on the root stock chosen (which determines the eventual size of the tree)
  • The ideal position is a sunny location protected from strong winds
  • Dwarf container grown varieties are available

Harvesting

  • Pears are ripe when swollen and starting to change colour (mottled skin tone)
  • The best way of determining whether a pear is ripe is to pick one and taste it
  • If storing, choose varieties with good storage characteristics (lay flat in rows not touching each other in a cardboard box, separated by paper or cardboard between rows)
Sow
(inside)
Sow
(outside)
Harvest
(fresh)
Harvest
(stored)
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
= jar, = freeze, = store

Varieties

There are two important considerations when growing pears and choosing pear varieties:

  • Pears are a heat loving plant
  • Pears are naturally a big tree

Although some pear varieties are self fertile, all trees will benefit from having at least one pollinating partner of another suitable variety to maximise the crop. In practice, many people rely on the work of bees travelling around a neighbourhood on the assumption that another garden or allotment will have a suitable tree nearby. If this does not apply, then careful research is needed to find at least two tree varieties to grow together that are pollinating partners, based on having a similar flowering season. Some pear tree varieties need two pollinating partners.

Whilst acid pear varieties do exist (for cooking), the majority of home growers select dessert or eating varieties for their garden or allotment. There are differences in harvest time, with the earliest pear varieties in fruit in August, whilst late varieties are not in season until October or November.

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Growing

The best location for a pear tree is where the it will receive full sun and protection from cold winds. A sheltered area next to a fence of wall is ideal. There are some pear varieties with a tolerance for colder weather.

Owing to their large natural size, pears are often grafted onto quince root stock to limit their growth. For example, quince C root stock limits the tree to less than 3 metres height, and quince A to between four and five metres height. A tree supplier will likely be able to confirm the maximum size of the tree. A smaller number of dwarf varieties are available. It is possible to train pear trees into cordons and espaliers as another solution for controlling the size of a tree.

Pear trees are best planted when dormant at the start of winter. Prepare a planting hole and break up the soil whilst digging. This is a good opportunity to mix into the soil fresh compost. Plant the tree and then replace the soil, remembering to firm it to help stabilise the tree. Tree stakes are a worthwhile investment for the first year or two of growth to ensure the tree remains vertical during strong winds.

During the first summer, give the tree a good dousing of water on a weekly or fortnightly basis to sustain the tree whilst its root system becomes established. After the first year, pear trees will require very little care.

Pear trees will need pruning in the winter. Any branches growing towards the centre of the tree should be removed, as well as general thinning to remove overlapping branches. Trimming the ends off branches growing horizontally away from the tree can encourage the tree to fill out.

It is likely that pears on a tree will ripen at different times. During harvest season, pick regularly to avoid any pears becoming overripe and spoiling. After picking, the flesh of a pear may be too hard to eat. Depending on the variety, pears may need to be stored for a few days, or even several weeks, before the flesh is at its best for eating.

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