Pears are temperate climate fruits closely related to apples (once they were grouped together as one genus: pyrus), but not as adaptable in their climactic range and ease of cultivation as apples. "Pears for your heirs" was the old adage alluding to their longevity, slowness of growth and bearing, and eventual large size. The French (and Belgians) have been responsible for bringing pear culture to it's peak in the 1700s. Today the worlds first commercial variety is Packham's Triumph - actually an Australian selection which is the "Golden Delicious" of the pear industry.

Our pear trees are grafted onto quince rootstocks - as is the practice in France, which produces a dwarfed and precocious tree. When grown as an espalier or arch it can be both very productive and ornamental. Read our article on pears and pollination - see our Articles.

Please see our out of stocks page for varieties that are sold out this season.

All pears are $24 each (inc. GST)

BEURRE BOSC A beautiful russetted pear, long in shape, rich creamy grainy flesh. Very high quality, lasts well, ripens late.

BEURRE D’ANJOU This late ripening pear originates in the Anjou region of France where many of our best pears come from. It’s a medium sized roundish pear with a deep purplish brown skin with prominent russet patches. It has yellowish white juicy and highly flavoured flesh and bears heavy and regular crops. An instant favourite!

BEURRE HARDY This almost unknown pear is an instant hit with everyone that tries it. It is slightly russeted, green with prominent dots and pale yellow melting flesh. Ripens mid season. Is also known as Gellert’s Butterbirne.

CONFERENCE The most popular commercial variety in UK, but virtually unknown here. Long thin green fruits with some russet, delicate melting flesh. Ripens here mid season, late March. Keeps well.

DOYENNE DU COMICE “Best on the market” – considered to be the most flavoursome pear, large green and knobbly with long stem. Matures fairly late.

JOSEPHINE From Belgium 1830, late maturing. Fine melting white flesh, juicy pale green in colour with some russet. Josephine is pollination compatible with all others listed here.

RED WILLIAMS Very attractive red form of Williams - a rich purple in colour, maturing as early as February. Extremely juicy and of excellent flavour, but does not store well.