Pyrus communis 'CONFERENCE'

Conference is a famous pear tree from the 19th century. It was first introduced at the National British Pear Conference in 1885, hence its name. It has medium-sized fruit that is pyriform if cross-pollinated, or banana-shaped if self-pollinated.

The fruit is pale green with golden brown russet patches. Self-pollinated fruit is seedless. It should be picked by end September and stored. Best eaten after 1-2 months of storing. These pears are juicy and sweet, with a pleasant flavour.

It crops profusely and reliably. Being partially or completely self-fertile, it does not require a pollinator. However, for heavy crop and/or fruit of two shapes on one tree you can grown another variety in your garden to cross-pollinate. These could be: Bon Chreiten, Clapp´s Favourite, Williams, Williams Red, Thompson, or Windsdor.

It forms a mid-sized tree with strong, upright branches. Pears are not picky about soil type if the place is not damp or filled with stones. Adding of good compost will help increase crop and the tree will get stronger sooner. Make sure to stake young plants. Fully hardy to -34°C (USDA zone 4), it tolerates northern exposures and wind if it gets enough sun.

Last update 18-01-2009