When to plant Pears in Bristol

Pyrus communis

Pear
Pear · Pyrus communis

A hardy fruit tree for UK gardens, usually planted bare-root while dormant. It does best in full sun, in fertile, well-drained soil, with steady watering while it establishes and winter pruning to keep the crown open.

600 cm · Full Sun · Moderate Water

Add to garden

Calibrated to Bristol · last frost ≈ 19 Apr

Plant out November to January, harvest August to October. Frost risk November to April.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Plant outYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoYesYes
HarvestNoNoNoNoNoNoNoYesYesYesNoNo

Growing guide

What to do through the growing season

Growing guide for

Change the guide to see different planting timelines and tips.

Plant bare-root pears while they are dormant in a sheltered, sunny spot. This guide covers planting and the first stage of establishment for a new tree in the ground.

  1. 01

    Plant the Tree

    22 Nov to 31 Jan 2027

    Plant the bare-root tree during 22nd November - 31st January 2027. Set the graft union just above soil level, firm the soil well, stake the tree securely, and keep a wide weed-free circle around the base. Water in thoroughly straight after planting.

  2. 02

    Water to Establish

    22 Nov to 28 Oct 2027 Dates as each sowing reaches this stage Optional · repeat every 2 weeks

    From 22nd November to 28th October 2027, water deeply every 14 days during dry spells. Keep the tree weed-free while roots establish, and do not expect a meaningful crop straight away.

  3. 03

    Thin Fruitlets

    25 Jun to 20 Jul 2027

    Thin congested fruitlets during 25th June - 20th July 2027 after the natural drop. Leave one well-spaced fruit per cluster so branches are not overloaded.

  4. 04

    Harvest Pears

    19 Aug to 3 Oct 2027

    Pick from 19th August 2027 to 3rd October 2027 when fruit lifts away with a gentle twist. Harvest in stages and let firm pears finish ripening indoors.

  5. 05

    Winter Prune

    22 Nov 2027 to 31 Mar 2028 Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    Prune in dormant weather around 22nd November 2027 - 31st March 2028. Open out the centre, remove crossing shoots and any dead wood, and keep cuts clean so the tree stays productive and easy to pick from.

Suggested varieties

Popular varieties of Pear to consider

Conference

The standard UK pear for reliable cropping and good flavour. It stores well and suits most gardens.

Williams' Bon Chrétien

A well-known early pear with a juicy, aromatic flavour. Best eaten soon after picking.

Doyenné du Comice

A rich dessert pear with excellent flavour. It prefers a warm, sheltered site and can be a bit fussier than Conference.

Concorde

A compact, modern dessert pear with a good flavour and reliable cropping. Often a sensible choice for smaller gardens.

Pear guides by town

See how Pear timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.