Pyrus communis Doyenné du Comice - Organic Pear Tree

This 'Comice' Pear Tree from Organic Agriculture is available as bare-root and as a young plant that can be trained into a goblet shape, an espalier, or any other desired form. It is a variety known for its strong vigor, slow fruiting, average and sometimes irregular production, susceptibility to alternate bearing, but also for its large pears of excellent taste and quality. It is the most commonly planted pear tree in gardens. Its large-sized fruits have a golden yellow colour with red blush and brown speckles when exposed to sunlight, and they have a pale, sweet, and aromatic flesh that is melting and juicy. The harvest takes place in September and October. The fruits can be stored in a cool place until December, but their thin skin makes them susceptible to handling damage. The 'Comice' Pear Tree is not self-fertile.

The pear tree is a tree native to central Asia, cultivated in China for 6,000 years. It was introduced to Europe around the 6th century. Although its development in the Middle Ages was limited, there were already 200 varieties during the Renaissance. Since then, the number of varieties has continued to increase. The 'Comice' Pear Tree is a pear tree variety obtained by Hilaire Dhommée and Pierre-Aimé Millet from La Turtaudière in 1848, in the fruit garden of the horticultural society of Angers.

Although it is not frost-sensitive, the 'Comice' Pear Tree still appreciates protected and sunny locations, so avoid frost-prone and windy areas. It is easy to grow and prefers moist and deep soils, but it dislikes excessively draining and chalky soils. In winter, provide it with a handful of wood ash, which is rich in potash, to improve flowering and fruit quality. Its upright habit gives it a tall and slender silhouette that is very harmonious. Its oval-shaped leaves, finely toothed along the edges, have petioles as long as the leaf blades and measure approximately 8 to 9cm (3 to 4in).
Its white flowering is late, in April, which protects it from frost. Its flowers have five white petals. They are not self-fertile. Therefore, it is necessary to plant another pear tree nearby. Its main pollinators are the varieties 'Williams', 'Conference', 'Guyot', and General Leclerc.
This variety produces large, plump, and regular fruits, measuring about 7.5cm (3in) in diameter, with a very thin skin that turns from yellow-green to golden yellow with red blush and speckles of brown when ripe. Its creamy white flesh is aromatic, melting, and juicy.

Designed for organic cultivation, the 'Comice' Pear Tree will thrive under certain conditions. To prevent diseases and pests, the following measures should be taken:
- Choose a deep, light, rich, and well-draining soil.
- Avoid planting in an area previously occupied by other woody plants.
- Prune to promote air circulation in the tree.
- Thin out to prevent the development of diseases on the fruits.
- Apply compost in autumn, in limited quantities depending on the richness of your soil, and incorporate it into the soil.
- Plant multi-species hedges (excluding prunus), piles of stones and wood, and nest boxes (for birds, voles, and bats) to attract beneficial insects.
If diseases appear, it will be necessary to remove and burn the affected parts. The 'Comice' Pear Tree is susceptible to scab but less susceptible to fire blight, and it is fairly resistant to pear leaf blister mite and Pseudomonas syringae. In case of scab attacks, spray Bordeaux mixture at half the recommended dose.

Pears can be consumed fresh, in syrup, in pastries, as jams and compotes, and can be used to make alcoholic beverages...

For transport reasons, our tallest young plants may be pruned before shipping. They are suitable for all common training sizes: cordons, espaliers, goblets, half-standards, and low standards, except for high standards. If you would like more information or advice on the training of your fruit trees, please do not hesitate to contact us.