Turnbull Giant is a genuinely unusual pear. I would grow it mainly for the enormous fruit and the ability to eat it at different stages, crisp when firm or softer when fully ripe. The tree is extremely vigorous, so it needs space, and heavily loaded branches may need support.
Turnbull Giant
Price range: 26,50 € through 59,75 €
An extraordinary American hybrid pear producing exceptionally large fruit that can be eaten crisp or allowed to soften. Vigorous, self-fertile and unusually tolerant of heat and disease.
Hybrid Pear ‘Turnbull Giant’ is a chance seedling discovered near Depew, Oklahoma, and protected under US Plant Patent PP4616 in 1981.
Its defining feature is fruit size. The original patent describes typical fruit weighing more than 2 lb, with a globular to ovate shape and creamy white flesh. When eaten firm, the flesh is crisp, juicy and refreshing, with an apple-like character. As the fruit softens, the texture becomes more melting and pear-like.
The tree is very vigorous, fast growing and highly productive. It flowers over an unusually long period, which can allow later blossoms to escape damage if the first flowers are hit by frost. The original patent describes it as self-fertile.
Harvest in Oklahoma extended from mid-September to mid-October. The fruit hangs well, keeps well and can be used both as a dessert pear and in cooking or preserving. USDA germplasm records classify Turnbull Giant as a diploid Pyrus hybrid and list it as scab resistant. The original patent also reported no fire blight on the tree despite infection nearby.
Variety characteristics
Chance seedling discovered in a farm orchard near Depew, Oklahoma, USA. Plant Patent PP4616 was granted in 1981.
Origin and identity
Chance seedling, parents unknown
Turnball Giant|Turnbull
Growth and adaptation
Very vigorous, rapid and upright-spreading growth, forming a large vase-shaped tree. Very productive and an early, regular bearer.
Grafted successfully on quince in the original patent, although long-term compatibility should be treated cautiously because the exact quince stock was not clearly identified.
Disease behaviour
Scab resistant; fire blight resistance reported in the original patent.
Pollination
Compatible pollinating varieties
For reliable fruit set, plant at least one variety with a compatible flowering period nearby. Flowering period: 3 - mid season.
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