Clay / Heavy / Moist / Well Drained / Light / Sandy
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 'Reimer Red' has mid-green pears flushed with dark red. It's in Pollination Group 4, 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.
Advertisement
Plant calendar
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Plant
yes
yes
yes
Flowers
yes
yes
Fruits
yes
yes
Prune
yes
yes
yes
Harvest
yes
yes
Pyrus ‘Reimer red’ and wildlife
Pyrus ‘Reimer red’ 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.
