Spring 2023 - open for pre-ordersYou can pre-order fruit trees now, for delivery in autumn 2023.

Conference pear trees

Pyrus communis
Conference
Conference has received the RHS Award of Garden MeritConference is listed in the RHS Plants for Pollinators
  • Picking season: Mid
  • Self-fertility: Self-fertile
  • Flowering group: 3

Conference is the most widely-grown pear variety in the UK. It crops heavily and reliably, and will grow in most situations.

It is also one of the few pear varieties to be reliably self-fertile in most situations, so you don't usually need another pollinator nearby. Furthermore it is a good pollinator for many other pears.

The skin is usually partially covered in golden-green russet.

A home-grown Conference pear, picked just before it is fully ripe, has an excellent flavour that should not disappoint.

Bio / Organic fruit trees

Conference organic pear trees for sale

  • Maidentree on BA29 rootstock 19.45€
    Medium tree (2m-3.5m after 10 years) Bare-root
Delivery countries
Delivery chargesClick here to view estimated delivery charges.

Growing and Training

Conference is one of the easiest pears to grow, being less fussy than some other pear varieties, tolerant of late frosts and strong-growing. It is by far the best choice if you want to grow a pear in less than ideal conditions.

Unusually amongst pears, Conference is effectively self-fertile. However nearby pollination partners will help cropping - try Doyenne du Comice or Williams.

Conference will also pollinate some late-flowering Asian pears which overlap with its flowering time.

All pears tend to grow with a vertical habit, but this is particularly the case with Conference, which can have a distinctly columnar upright appearance.


History

Conference was developed by the Rivers Nursery of Sawbridgeworth, Hertfordshire, in the second half of the 19th century. It is thought to be a seedling of a continental variety called Van Mons Leon Leclerc.

It was named after the National British Pear Conference held in 1885.


Conference characteristics

  • Gardening skillBeginner
  • Self-fertilitySelf-fertile
  • Flowering group3
  • Pollinating othersGood
  • PloidyDiploid
  • Fruit bearingSpur-bearer
  • Climate suitabilityTemperate climatesMild damp climatesWarm climates
  • Picking periodmid-September
  • Picking seasonMid
  • Season of use2-3 weeks
  • CroppingHeavy
  • Food usesEating fresh
  • Disease resistanceAverage
  • ScabSome resistance
  • Fire blightSome susceptibility
  • Country of originUnited Kingdom
  • Period of origin1850 - 1899
  • Fruit colourGreen - light