Climate and Soil Requirement

Even if pear trees usually withstand a temperature of –25, –30°C, long-lasting frost and plantation of trees in humid soils increases damage and causes the tips of shoots to freeze. Pear blossoms are out earlier as compared to apple and have a higher probability of being affected by spring late frosts. It is therefore necessary not to establish orchards in hollow grounds where cold air descends. Winter cooling requirement is 1200 – 1500 hours below +7.2°C.

Pear is a plant variety which may adapt to very different soil conditions. Among the temperate climate fruit varieties, pears are those that are most tolerant to heavy soils with poor aeration. Pear’s minimum soil requirement is one which has a soil profile of 45 – 63 cm and a permeable layer underneath.

When establishing a pear orchard, the soils which must be avoided most are those with surface lime or those which have a high percentage of hard water towards the subsoil. Pears grafted to quince rootstocks in such places are substantially damaged by iron deficiency.

Pear trees would like a quite high amount of organic matter in the soil. Soils that are poor in terms of amount of organic matter must be reinforced with well-burnt farm fertiliser.