Pear

How to grow pear trees

Plant single-stem or part-trained pear trees on a 'rootstock' suitable for your growing conditions, eg dwarf 'Quince C' or larger 'Quince A' - it should tell you the rootstock on the plant label or information. Grow varieties that flower together.

Choose well-drained, fertile soil in a warm, sunny, sheltered site.

Stake your tree, water well (particularly in the first year) and mulch. You can train pear trees as 'pyramid shape' (evenly spaced stems, shorten shoots) or on a wire framework, eg 'espalier' (tie in the main stems, shorten the side shoots).

Harvesting and using pears

Pick pears when firm, leaving to fully ripen off the tree.

Use pears to make puddings, jams or jellies.

Tips on growing pears

If you can, protect any early flowers from frost is horticultural fleece.