Pear (Pyrus) Conference 12L

Conference is Britain's most popular pear and one of the most reliable fruit trees you can grow. It was raised by the famous Rivers Nursery in Hertfordshire and named after the National Pear Conference of 1885, and it holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit. White spring blossom, loved by bees, is followed by heavy crops of long, slender, green pears with golden-brown russet. The creamy flesh is sweet, juicy and refreshing. Pick the fruit from late September while still firm, then ripen it indoors. Stored somewhere cool, the pears will keep through October and November and often beyond. They're delicious eaten fresh and hold their shape well for poaching and baking.

Conference is exceptionally dependable. It can set fruit even without pollination, so a single tree will usually crop well on its own, although another pear nearby will give heavier crops and better-shaped fruit. Beth, Concorde and Beurré Hardy all make good partners. It is also a good pollinator for other pears. It suits most gardens, and it's hardy and adaptable, coping better than many pears in cooler spots. For the best crops, plant in full sun in a sheltered position, in deep, fertile, moist but well-drained soil, away from frost pockets. Thin heavy clusters after the natural early summer drop, and prune in winter to keep an open shape and encourage fruiting spurs. Fully hardy (RHS H6).

Supplied in a 12-litre pot.

Each tree is hand-selected before dispatch.

Available from Pengelly Garden Centre.