Himalayan pear Seeds

This packet holds 5 seeds of common pear (Pyrus communis), a deciduous tree that grows up to 10–17 m. Pear seed needs a cold period before it sprouts: sow in autumn, or keep it moist at 4 °C for 12–16 weeks and sow in spring.

Also known as: Common pear, European pear.

Cold treatment first

• Autumn sowing outdoors lets winter provide the cold period naturally.
• Or stratify in moist sand or peat at 4 °C for 12–16 weeks, then sow in spring.

Climate and site

Pears are temperate trees: they need cool winters to meet their chilling requirement and full sun to fruit. Use well-drained loam at pH 6.0–7.5; moderately clayey ground is tolerated. Space trees 4–6 m apart.

What the tree becomes

A deciduous tree with a rounded, spreading crown, ovate leaves and white blossom in spring. The fruit is pear-shaped with thin, smooth skin, green to yellow, often with a red blush. Most pears need a second tree for cross-pollination; some are partly self-fertile. A tree raised from seed can differ from its parent in fruit size and taste.

Care

Water regularly in the growing season, especially at flowering and fruit set, but avoid waterlogging, which can rot the roots. Prune each year in late winter or early spring to shape the tree and remove dead or crowded branches.

What you get

One packet of 5 seeds. We do not state a germination percentage for this lot.

FAQ

Do the seeds need cold treatment?

Yes. Sow in autumn, or keep the seeds in moist sand or peat at 4 °C for 12–16 weeks before spring sowing.

Will one tree give fruit?

Most pears need a second tree for cross-pollination; some are partly self-fertile.

Will the fruit match the parent tree?

Not always. A tree raised from seed can differ from its parent in fruit size and taste.