Pyrus communis Conférence - Organic Pear Tree

The Organic 'Conference' Pear Tree with bare roots is planted in the autumn, as soon as it is received, in deep and well-prepared soil. It is a very hardy variety, renowned for its robustness and good resistance to scab. It can be grown in all regions. The pears, elongated like a drop of water, will be harvested from September 20th, earlier or later depending on the region. They will benefit from being ripened for a few days to reveal the finesse of their flavour and the melting texture of their flesh. Their skin is light green, irregularly marbled with brown, and then turns golden yellow when fully ripe. The flesh, creamy white in colour, is sweet, juicy, slightly firm and granular near the core. If harvested two weeks before ripeness, they will keep very well in a cool but frost-free and well-ventilated place until January. This partially self-fertile variety will be more productive in the presence of a 'William's' Pear Tree or 'Doyenne du Comice' Pear Tree.

The pear tree is a tree native to central Asia, cultivated in China for 6,000 years. It was introduced to Europe around the 6th century. The 'Conference' Pear Tree, well known for its adaptability, is a variety that was obtained in 1884 by Thomas River of Sawbridgeworth, England, from a chance seedling of the Léon Leclerc de Laval cultivar. It was named in 1895, following the international conference on pears held in London.

While it is not frost-sensitive and can withstand temperatures as low as -20°C, the 'Conference' Pear Tree will still appreciate protected and sunny locations, avoiding strong winds. Easy to grow, it likes moist and deep soil, but dislikes overly porous and chalky soils. In winter, add a shovelful of wood ash, rich in potash, to improve flowering and fruit quality.
Its upright habit gives it a tall and slender silhouette. Its leaves, with an oval lamina and finely dentate edges, have a petiole as long as the lamina and measure approximately 8 to 9cm (3 to 4in).
Its flowering is late, beginning in early April, protecting it from frost. The 'Conference' pear tree easily develops fruit without fertilization (through parthenocarpy), even when the frost has destroyed the flower's ovules. Its flowers have 5 white-pink petals. It is preferable to plant another pear tree nearby. The most commonly used pollinators are the 'William's Bon Chrétien', 'Doyenne du Comice', and 'Général Leclerc' varieties. Pollination is primarily carried out by bees, which are entomophilous.
This variety is known for its elongated pear shape, as well as its unique flavour and refreshing texture: juicy, sweet but not excessively so, melting, and delicately acidic. It provides a very good yield. Full ripeness occurs in mid-October.

Designed for organic cultivation, this Pear Tree will thrive under certain conditions. To prevent diseases and pests, you should:
- choose deep, light, rich, and well-draining soil,
- avoid planting in an area that previously hosted other woody plants,
- prune to promote tree ventilation,
- thin out to prevent disease development on the fruit,
- add compost in limited quantities in autumn, depending on the richness of your soil, and incorporate it into the soil,
- plant multi-species hedges (except for prunus), piles of stones and wood, and nest boxes (for birds, voles, and bats) to attract beneficial insects.
If a disease appears, it will be necessary to remove and burn the affected parts. The 'Conference' Pear Tree has natural resistance to scab, which will limit attacks from this main pear tree disease. However, in case of attacks, consider spraying Bordeaux mixture at half the recommended dose.

Pears can be consumed fresh, in syrup, in pastries, in jams and compotes, and can be used to make alcoholic beverages...

For transportation reasons, our tallest scions may be pruned before shipping. They are suitable for all common training sizes: cordons, espaliers, goblets, half-standards, and low standards, except for tall standards. If you would like more information or advice on training your fruit trees, please do not hesitate to contact us.