Description
The Conference pear is one of the most popular pear varieties in Europe, renowned for its smooth, juicy and sweet flesh, with delicate floral aromas. Slightly grainy in texture but melting in the mouth, it offers a balanced sweetness and acidity that makes it perfect for fresh eating, cooking, or baking. Its long, elegant shape and green-bronze mottled skin – often blushing red in sunlight – make it instantly recognizable. This variety is Partially self-fertile, easy to grow, and has excellent storage life, making it ideal for both home gardens and orchards.
Origin: England (Rivers’ Nursery, 1885)
Family: Rosaceae
Type: Deciduous fruit tree with semi-upright habit
Special feature: Among the most widely grown pear varieties in Europe
Mature height: 3 to 4 m (low-stem form)
Spread: 2.5 to 3 m
Habit: Upright to slightly spreading
Leaves: Oval, medium green
Growth rate: Moderate to fast
Hardiness: Excellent (down to –20 °C)
Flowering: April (group 4)
Good pollinators: Beurré Hardy, Williams, Doyenné du Comice, Durondeau
Fruit: Elongated, rough-textured skin, green-bronze with occasional red blush
Flesh: Creamy, melting, juicy, fine-grained
Flavor: Subtle, aromatic, well-balanced
Harvest: Late September to early October
Storage: Up to 3 months in cool conditions
Exposure: Full sun
Soil: Deep, fertile, well-drained
pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline
Note: Avoid heavy or waterlogged soils
Period: October to March (outside frost), or year-round in containers
Tips:
Loosen soil deeply and enrich with compost
Add a sturdy stake for young trees
Water thoroughly at planting and mulch
Recommended spacing: 4 to 5 m
Young trees: Water regularly during dry spells
Mature trees: Tolerant of moderate drought once established
Formative pruning: In winter for first 2–3 years
Maintenance: Light pruning at the end of winter to open the canopy
Goal: Promote short fruiting branches (spurs)
Method: Grafting onto quince or seedling rootstock
Note: Not true to type from seed
Perfect for family orchards, fruit hedges, or espalier
Also suitable for smaller gardens as cordons or low-trained trees
Pairs well with flowering plants or vegetables
Excellent for fresh eating, baking, poaching or preserves
Holds its shape well when cooked (e.g., poached pears, pears in wine)
Valued for its sweetness, texture and culinary versatility
Good natural resistance, low scab sensitivity
May be vulnerable to fire blight in humid conditions
Natural care:
Gentle, regular pruning
Use horsetail decoction or nettle tea
Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization
Plant near other compatible varieties to increase yield
Mulch regularly to maintain soil moisture
Attract pollinators with nearby flowering plants
The Conference pear is a true classic of European orchards. With its soft, aromatic flesh and long shelf life, it’s a perfect match for fresh consumption and culinary uses alike.
Expédition & livraison
As soon as you place your order your plants are selected
Each order is processed individually.
Plants are packed, staked and labeled.
Packaging is carefully implemented to avoid any problems.
Packages are ready to be shipped.Shipping of our plants throughout Europe (except overseas and islands).
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