Pyrus communis Fertilia Delbard - Pear Tree

Pyrus communis Fertilia Delbard® Delwilmor is a recent variety, highly resistant to diseases and particularly easy to grow for amateur gardeners. It abundantly produces fragrant and flavoursome pears. The fruit is medium to large in size, pear-shaped, more or less elongated and plump. Its skin is smooth, fairly thin, uniformly marked with bronze spots, turning reddish in the sun. Its white flesh is firm, melting, juicy and sweet, with a delicious fragrance and flavours of banana, citrus and lychee. Harvest begins in early October and extends until the end of October. The fruits can be consumed as soon as they are picked, and ripen in storage until the end of November. Pleasantly tasty and rich in sugar, it is a delicious pear to enjoy on its own. Cooked, it is a variety that lends itself well to many sweet or savoury recipes. It is a partially self-fertile variety that requires the presence of other pear varieties nearby to improve pollination and increase the number of fruits.

Pyrus communis (Common Pear) is a fruit tree belonging to the Rosaceae family. Present in Europe since ancient times, it is native to the forests of Western Asia. Over the centuries, a very large number of cultivars have emerged. Its cultivation is widespread in Europe. Pyrus communis Fertilia Delbard® 'Delwilmor' is a recent creation by Georges Delbard Nurseries, France.

The Fertilia Delbard Pear forms a tree with a fairly upright frame that can reach a height of 4 to 5 metres (13 to 16 feet), producing numerous branches with a spreading habit. Its habit is suitable for tall forms (on a stem) or low forms (bush) or espalier forms (fan-trained). Its deciduous foliage is composed of large leaves measuring 8 to 10 cm (3 to 4in) in length, alternate, ovate, shiny green, turning yellow-orange in autumn. Flowering occurs in April, which generally protects it from frost. The white flowers, single, 2 to 3 cm (1in) in diameter, grouped in umbels, are nectar-producing. They can be destroyed by frost from -2 to -3 °C. It is a hardy tree that tolerates temperatures around -25 °C, and it is suitable for cultivation in most regions, including at higher altitudes. This Pear tree is self-sterile or self-incompatible, the flowers cannot self-pollinate. That is why the presence of other pear varieties in close proximity, whose flowering occurs at the same time, is necessary. The Fertilia Delbard is pollinated by most other varieties, except for Delbardélice®, Delbard Gourmande® and Louise Bonne d'Avranches.

Pyrus communis Fertilia Delbard is a variety with high yield, with quick fruiting from the second year, and abundant and regular fruiting. Harvest begins in early October and continues until the end of October. The fruits can be consumed as soon as they are picked, as they ripen. The pear can be eaten raw or cooked, in compotes, pastries and desserts, in fruit salads or mixed salads, in combination with cheeses or as an accompaniment to savoury dishes, alongside duck, white meats (poultry and lamb) or game. It is also perfect for making juice or fruits in syrup. Rich in water, the pear refreshes and quenches thirst. Very fleshy, it provides a great feeling of satiety. Moderately calorific, it is well endowed with potassium, calcium and magnesium, with a significant supply of iron. Its content of vitamins C and E, antioxidants and fibres make the pear a health asset. It is invigorating, energising and rehydrating. The fruits can be stored until the end of November. Storage can be done in a cool, clean place, protected from light at a temperature around 8 to 10 °C or in a cold room, sealed off from outside air at a temperature of 1 to 3 °C.

In the Pear tree category, Pyrus domestica Fertilia Delbard is a hardy variety, fairly vigorous, and resistant to diseases. This fruit tree likes deep and somewhat moist soils, but it dislikes excessively draining, dry and chalky soils. To obtain quality fruits, thinning should be practiced by reducing the number of fruits on the tree. Pruning for aeration, by removing some branches in the centre of the tree, will provide light and give the fruits a beautiful colour. This will also limit the occurrence of diseases. Very popular thanks to its fruit, the pear tree finds its place in the garden for the pleasure of young and old alike. With a wide range of varieties, it is easy to find the one that best suits your taste.