Pyrus communis Doyenné du Comice - Pear Tree

Fruit trees are ideally planted between October and March, excluding periods of frost. Container-grown plants can be planted all year round, except during periods of high heat or freezing temperatures.

Pear trees prefer cool and fertile soils, without stagnant moisture and preferably non-calcareous. Requiring warmth, it should be planted in a sunny location, sheltered from prevailing winds. Loosen the soil deeply, remove rocks and unwanted weeds. Add some sand to improve drainage. Dig a large planting hole at least 3 times the volume of the root ball. Make sure to separate the subsoil from the topsoil. Mix crushed horn and organic matter (potting soil, compost, etc.) with the subsoil and pour this mixture into the bottom of the planting hole. Place the root ball, cover with topsoil without burying the graft union, and firm it down. Water thoroughly (about 10L).

It may be beneficial to stake the pear tree by installing a guy wire system: plant 3 stakes in a triangle 50 cm (20in) around the trunk, and connect them together with pieces of wood. Protect the bark with a piece of rubber, for example, and attach the stakes to the trunk with metal wires.

Every year, in autumn, apply well-rotted compost on the surface. Then, in winter, add a small shovelful of wood ash, rich in potash, to improve fruiting. Hoe if necessary around the base of the tree. Water regularly, according to your climate, during the first two or three years.

Pear trees can be susceptible to various diseases and pests. To prevent scab (brown spots on leaves), brown rot (flower withering and fruit rot on the tree), and powdery mildew (white coating on leaves), spray with Bordeaux mixture and decoctions of horsetail. As for pests, the codling moth or fruit worm, a small caterpillar, can be controlled by installing bird and bat houses, by placing corrugated cardboard strips along the trunk, and by bagging the fruits in brown kraft paper. In case of aphid infestation, spray a mixture of water and black soap.