Pears in Parslow's Hillock

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 Parslow's Hillock · last frost ≈ 26 Apr

Plant out November to March, harvest September to November. Frost risk November to April.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
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Growing guide

Step-by-step instructions for growing Pear

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

    21 Nov to 1 Mar

    Plant the bare-root tree during 21st November - 1st March. 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

    26 Apr to 1 Nov every 2 weeks

    From 26th April through 1st November, water deeply every 14 days in dry spells for the first two summers. Do not expect meaningful fruit in the first one to two years, the tree needs time to settle and build root growth.

  3. 03

    Thin Fruitlets

    10 Jun to 25 Jun

    After the natural drop has finished, thin congested fruitlets around 10th June - 25th June. Leave one fruit per cluster, spaced well apart, so the remaining pears grow larger and the branches are less likely to strain.

  4. 04

    Harvest Pears

    17 Sept to 1 Nov

    Pick from 17th September to 1st November when the fruit lifts away with a gentle twist. Harvest a few at a time, as pears often ripen unevenly on the tree.

  5. 05

    Winter Prune

    26 Jan to 12 Mar

    Prune in dormant weather around 26th January - 12th March. 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.

Companion plants

Tap a plant to see why it works (or doesn't) with Pear.

Good companions

Plants to avoid

Why companion planting matters

Companion planting can deter pests, improve pollination, and make better use of space. Some plants confuse pests or attract beneficial insects; others improve soil or offer shade to neighbours that need it.

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.