Pyrus communis 'DOYENNÉ DU COMICE' pear tree - late
Symbivit Tric (arbuscular)
Symbivit (arbuscular)Pyrus
The genus Pyrus – the pear – is among the oldest fruit groups cultivated by humans, with a history stretching back thousands of years to the regions of the Caucasus, Asia Minor and Iran, from where pears spread into Europe and China. Wild species inhabit light woodlands, mountain slopes and dry rocky hillsides, and share several common traits – a deep root system, great longevity and the ability to produce firm, resilient wood. These characteristics are also reflected in Pyrus communis, which over centuries of domestication has been bred and selected into dozens of growth forms, from vigorous tall standards to modern dwarf types suitable for small gardens.
The history of red‑fleshed pears, however, is much more recent. While red‑fleshed apples have been known since the 19th century, pears with similar traits appeared only in modern times. In Germany, selections with strong anthocyanin pigmentation began to emerge, and for their unusual character they were grouped into the Vampira series – a collection of fruit trees with red flesh.
Doyenné du Comice pear tree variety dates back to 1849 when a newly bred plant first fruited in a French town Angers. It bears possibly the finest dessert pears ever tasted. They are large, conical, pale green to light yellow, sometimes with a red cheek or russeting of uneven amount. The flesh is pleasantly melting and tastes very sweet and delicious. Harvest begins from mid October and the fruit ripens after 4 to 5 weeks of cold storage. Stores well until late December or early January. It is not a heavy cropper but bears fruit reliably.
Being self sterile it needs another pear tree variety nearby to pollinate its flowers. Commonly used are other late pear varieties such as Conference or Abate Fetel, surprisingly good pollinators are also summer varieties Williams, both green and red. It is highly resistant to scab and late frost.
Last update 26-10-2016
Pears are not demanding to grow. They thrive best in full sun but will tolerate partial shade. The soil should be loamy to sandy‑loam, well‑drained yet moderately moist, with a pH from slightly acidic to neutral. In the first years after planting, young trees should be tied to a stake, and high‑stem forms secured with a strong windbreak support, to ensure a straight trunk and stable root system. Fertilization is possible, preferably organic but not needed, and pruning is not required either – only a gentle thinning of the crown at the end of winter, more for aesthetics than necessity. The tree is hardy to at least –34 °C (USDA zone 4) and requires no winter protection.
