How to Grow Pear

Fruit Tree

Pears repay patience with fragrant blossom and richly flavoured fruit, though they prefer a little more warmth than apples. They suit sheltered gardens, particularly as espaliers against a sunny wall. Select a reliable variety and compatible pollination partner, because successful fruit set depends on blossom escaping severe spring frost.

Hardiness & site: Pears are usually RHS H6 and hardy in most UK gardens, but blossom is frost-sensitive. Give them a sunny, sheltered south, west or east aspect, away from cold hollows. A wall-trained tree benefits from reflected warmth.

Planting & rootstocks

Quince C produces a compact dwarfing tree suitable for restricted spaces, while Quince A makes a larger, more vigorous garden tree; rootstock controls size. Plant bare-root pears between November and March during dormancy, provided the ground is not frozen or waterlogged. Keep the graft union at least 10 cm above soil, stake the tree and water well. Bushes work in open ground; cordons and espaliers are excellent along fences or walls.

Pollination

Pears usually need another pear from a compatible or overlapping pollination group. 'Conference' is part self-fertile and may crop alone in a favourable site, but a partner improves reliability. 'Williams' and 'Doyenné du Comice' need suitable companions. Ask the RHS or a local garden centre to confirm group matches, as flowering periods vary with locality and season.

Care & pruning

Prune in winter while the tree is dormant, keeping a clear framework and shortening laterals on established cordons or espaliers. Avoid hard pruning, which can encourage excessive leafy growth. Feed lightly with an organic fertiliser in spring if needed, maintain a moisture-retentive mulch around the root zone and water young trees in dry weather. Thin crowded fruitlets after June drop and protect blossom from late frost where practical.

Years to bear

Quince C trees may give a first modest crop after two to three years. Quince A trees usually begin in three to five years, depending on variety, soil, training and aftercare.

Harvest

Pick most pears from September to October, before they become fully soft on the tree. Lift fruits gently; those ready to pick separate easily when raised. Mature pears can finish ripening indoors in a cool room. 'Conference' is often ready when the green skin begins to yellow slightly and the flesh near the stalk yields.

Common problems

Pear rust, scab, aphids, pear leaf blister mite and occasional canker can reduce vigour or crops. Remove and dispose of badly affected leaves and fruit, clear leaf litter, and prune for airflow. Avoid planting ornamental junipers close by where pear rust is persistent. Use netting against birds if necessary, water consistently and keep trees unstressed to support recovery.

Growing Pear: frequently asked questions

How do I grow pear in the UK?

Quince C produces a compact dwarfing tree suitable for restricted spaces, while Quince A makes a larger, more vigorous garden tree; rootstock controls size.

Does pear need a pollination partner?

Pears usually need another pear from a compatible or overlapping pollination group.

When is pear ready to harvest?

Pick most pears from September to October, before they become fully soft on the tree.

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General guidance for UK home growers. Variety and pollination needs vary; the RHS or a local garden centre can advise for your area. Page updated 19 Sep 2026.