Pear (Pyrus) Christie 12L

Christie is a traditional Scottish dessert pear, a heritage variety well suited to the British climate. In spring it's covered in delicate white blossom that bees love. In mid-September it produces crops of sweet, juicy pears that are perfect for eating fresh. Their flesh is firm enough to hold its shape well in cooking too, making them a good choice for tarts, poaching and preserves.

Christie forms a vigorous, medium-sized tree that suits most gardens and small orchards. It is not self-fertile, so it needs another pear nearby for cross-pollination. Beth, Conference or Beurré Hardy all flower at the same time and make ideal partners. Pears need more warmth than apples, so plant in full sun in a sheltered spot, in deep, fertile, moist but well-drained soil. Pears flower early, so avoid frost pockets. Thin heavy clusters after the natural early summer drop, and pick the fruit while still slightly firm, then ripen it indoors for a few days for the best flavour. Prune in winter to keep an open shape and encourage fruiting spurs. Fully hardy.

Supplied in a 12-litre pot.

Each tree is hand-selected before dispatch.

Available from Pengelly Garden Centre.