Pear (Pyrus) Onward

Onward is a superb dessert pear, often described as a Comice for everyone. It was raised at the RHS garden at Wisley in 1947 by crossing Doyenné du Comice with Laxton's Superb, and it has much of Comice's rich, buttery flavour on a tree that is hardier and more reliable. White spring blossom, loved by bees, is followed in September by medium-sized pears that ripen from yellow-green to gold with a pretty pink-red flush. The creamy white flesh is smooth, melting and wonderfully juicy, with a rich sweetness balanced by a refreshing hint of acidity. They're best enjoyed fresh, ideally with a napkin to hand.

Onward is a hardy, dependable cropper with some resistance to scab. It is not self-fertile, so plant it with another pear nearby for cross-pollination. Conference, Concorde and Beth all make good partners. Because Comice is one of its parents, Onward and Doyenné du Comice will not pollinate each other, so if you grow both, add a third variety to pollinate them. Plant in full sun in a sheltered spot, in deep, fertile, moist but well-drained soil, and avoid frost pockets, as pears flower early. Pick the fruit in mid-September while still firm, then ripen it indoors for a few days. It stores for a few weeks, into October. Prune in winter to keep an open shape and encourage fruiting spurs. Fully hardy.

Each tree is hand-selected before dispatch.

Available from Pengelly Garden Centre.