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Home-grown pears are far superior in flavour to anything you can buy in the shops. What's more, a much greater variety of cultivars is available if you grow your own.
Pear trees are easy to grow and are available grafted on to a range of rootstocks, making them perfect for growing in any size of garden – some can even be grown in containers. There are plenty of cultivars to choose from, which typically fall into two categories: dessert (for eating) and cooking.
Pyrus communis 'Conference' is one of the most well-known dessert pear varieties and has an RHS Award of Garden merit (AGM). It bears heavy crops of juicy, sweet pears. 'Conference' is in Pollination Group 3, and should be grown in conjunction with a pollination partner, for a more reliable crop.
Pear trees blossom extremely early in spring, so for best results grow them against a south-facing wall or fence, where they will be protected from frost. Mulch annually and water in dry spells. As with most pears, pick the fruit when still firm and allow it to ripen indoors.
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Pyrus ‘Conference’ and wildlife
Pyrus ‘Conference’ is known for attracting bees, beneficial insects, birds, butterflies/moths and other pollinators. It is a caterpillar food plant, has nectar/pollen rich flowers, provides shelter and habitat, has seeds for birds and makes a good wildlife hedge.
