When to plant Pears in Oxford

Pyrus communis

Pear
Pear · Pyrus communis

A hardy fruit tree for UK gardens, planted bare-root while dormant. It does best in full sun, in fertile, well-drained soil. Shelter from frost. The first crop comes after they settle.

600 cm · Full Sun · Moderate Water

Add to garden

Calibrated to Oxford · last frost ≈ 24 Apr

Plant out November to February, harvest July to October. Frost risk October to April.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Plant outYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoYesYes
HarvestNoNoNoNoNoNoYesYesYesYesNoNo

Growing guide

What to do through the growing season

Growing guide for

Change the guide to see different planting timelines and tips.

Plant while dormant in a sheltered, sunny spot. A dwarfing rootstock in a pot is a separate route.

  1. 01

    Plant the Tree

    18 Nov to 11 Feb 2027

    Plant the bare-root tree during 18th November - 11th February 2027. Only plant if the ground is open, not frozen or wet. Set the graft union above the soil. Firm in. Stake it. Keep a weed-free circle around the base. Water in well. Start winter pruning at planting.

    • A second variety nearby helps fruit set. Conference is partly self-fertile.
    • Cover blossom overnight if frost is due.

  2. 02

    Water

    9 May to 6 Oct 2027 Optional · repeat every 365 days

    From 9th May 2027 to 6th October 2027, water well for the first two years, then in dry spells while the fruit swells. Do this each year.

  3. 03

    Mulch and Feed

    23 Feb to 25 Mar 2027 Optional · repeat every 365 days

    Around 23rd February - 25th March 2027, mulch with compost or well-rotted manure. Leave a gap around the trunk. Do this once a year. Feed only if growth is weak.

  4. 04

    Thin Fruitlets

    8 Jun to 23 Jun 2027

    After the natural drop, during 8th June - 23rd June 2027, thin congested fruitlets. Leave two fruits per cluster on a free-standing tree, or one on trained forms.

  5. 05

    Harvest Pears

    23 Jul to 6 Oct 2027

    Pick from 23rd July 2027 to 6th October 2027 while the fruit is still firm. Lift and twist. Let them ripen indoors.

  6. 06

    Winter Prune

    24 Jan to 23 Feb 2027

    Prune around 24th January - 23rd February 2027, while the tree is dormant. Keep an open centre. Remove crossing shoots and dead wood.

    • Summer prune on cordons is a separate job.

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.