When to plant Pears in the UK

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
Plant out November to January, harvest August to September.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Plant outYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoYesYes
HarvestNoNoNoNoNoNoNoYesYesNoNoNo

UK averages · set your town for dates worked out from your local frost records · how dates are worked out

Growing guide

What to do through the growing season

Dates for your town

Set your town to see planting windows worked out from local frost history, not a generic UK calendar.

Growing guide for the UK

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

    mid-November to late January UK average · set your town for your exact dates

    Plant the bare-root tree during mid-November to late January. 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

    mid-November to mid-October UK average · set your town for your exact dates Dates as each sowing reaches this stage Optional · repeat every 2 weeks

    From mid-November to mid-October, 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

    mid-June to early July UK average · set your town for your exact dates

    Thin congested fruitlets during mid-June to early July after the natural drop. Leave one well-spaced fruit per cluster so branches are not overloaded.

  4. 04

    Harvest Pears

    early August to late September UK average · set your town for your exact dates

    Pick from early August to late September when fruit lifts away with a gentle twist. Harvest in stages and let firm pears finish ripening indoors.

  5. 05

    Winter Prune

    mid-November to late March UK average · set your town for your exact dates Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    Prune in dormant weather around mid-November to late 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.

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.