Pear Tree Pollination Groups

POLLINATION AND PEAR TREES

The majority of pear trees require another suitable variety nearby to enable fertilisation to occur. A few varieties such as Conference are self-fertile but they also produce better crops when a matching variety is nearby.

The question of "what is nearby" then arises. Bees come to your rescue here because they will fly several miles for a good pollen source.

So if you live near an allotment or are in a dense urban area it is likely that other people will be growing pear trees and amongst these will be several matching pollinators. Unfortunately, pear trees are rarer than apple trees so this may not always be the case.

Different varieties of pears flower at slightly different times of the year but almost all overlap to some degree. The best way to ensure the best pollination rate is to plant at least two pear trees which flower at roughly the same time. Pick partners based on the groupings below.

Early flowering pear varieties include:2 & 3
Beth
Beurre Hardy
Conference
Invincible
Louise Bonne of Jersey
Packham's Triumph
Sensation
William's Bon Chretien

Late flowering pear varieties include:4
Concorde
Doyenne du Comice
Glou Morceau
Onward

BUYING A PEAR TREE

When you have chosen which variety of pear tree you want and the rootstock you need to decide if you will buy a bare-rooted tree or a potted one.

Cost and timing are the major factors to consider. Potted trees are more expensive than bare rooted trees, by a significant amount. Against that, bare-rooted trees can only be planted when they are fully dormant, normally between mid December and early March. Potted trees can be planted at any time of the year although even these are best planted in winter.

Our recommendation is to go for a bare rooted tree, ordered online and delivered to your door from a reputable supplier. There are many reputable suppliers and recommendation from a fellow gardener is the best way to select one.

We have used Blackmoor Nurseries (UK only) for two years running and they have always delivered excellent trees at the correct time. Their website is:

Blackmoor Nurseries

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