Pyrus communis 'Conference', commonly known as the Conference pear tree, is a popular and reliable pear cultivar prized for its abundant crops of juicy, flavorful pears. This deciduous tree features attractive white blossoms in spring, followed by a heavy crop of elongated, greenish-brown pears with a sweet, slightly buttery flavour in late summer or early autumn. It's a hardy and self-fertile variety, well-suited to gardens and allotments across the UK. It belongs to the Rosaceae family.
Origin: Pyrus communis 'Conference' is an old English variety, believed to have originated in the late 19th century.
Light: Pyrus communis 'Conference' thrives in full sun. It prefers a warm, sheltered location with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day to encourage optimal growth and fruit ripening.
Water: Water regularly, especially during dry periods and the first year after planting. Pear trees prefer consistently moist, well-drained soil. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
Soil: Pyrus communis 'Conference' prefers well-drained, fertile soil. It can tolerate a range of soil types, but thrives in loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH.
Pollination: While Pyrus communis 'Conference' is self-fertile, planting another pear variety nearby can improve fruit set and yield.
Pruning: Prune your Pyrus communis 'Conference' in winter while it is dormant to maintain shape and encourage fruit production. Remove any dead or diseased wood and thin out overcrowded branches. Summer pruning can also be done to remove any excess growth or suckers.
Pests and Diseases: Keep an eye out for common pear tree pests and diseases, such as pear rust, codling moth, and fireblight.
Harvesting: The pears typically ripen in late summer or early autumn. Harvest the pears when they are mature but still firm. They will continue to ripen off the tree.
Uses: The pears are delicious eaten fresh or can be used in jams, preserves, and other culinary creations.
Toxicity: Pyrus communis 'Conference' is not known to be toxic to humans or pets.