GROWING YOUR OWN
Pears are easy to grow and long living,
and they particularly like a rich soil and a
sunny aspect. Those growing on their
own roots can grow into large trees, so
you will need to source a pear that has
been grafted on to a dwarfing root stock
such as Quince A (which will restrict your
tree to around 3–4m in height) or Quince
C (2.4–3m). Pears on Quince C can be
trained into espaliers or cordons for
growing against a wall. Yield will always
be better if you have two trees from the
same pollination group (this means that
they flower at the same time and so can
pollinate each other).
Three to try:
Conference An old and dependable
variety and the best for the north or a
shadier spot. It is an autumn pear
that is brilliant raw or cooked.
Available from otterfarm.co.uk.
Williams Bon Chrétien An early
season pear with beautiful buttery
textured flesh and pale yellow skin.
A dual purpose cooking and eating
pear. Available from
victoriananursery.co.uk.
Winter Nelis Not the most beautiful
of pears but this pear for cooking
and eating makes up for it with
its rich flavour. Will keep well
into winter. Available from
orangepippintrees.co.uk.Good old Conference
pears are an autumn
crop to enjoy raw
or cooked, sweet
or savoury»