Pear Trees

Abate Fetel Pear Tree

The Gourmet’s Choice: Known as Italy's favourite pear, this variety is prized by chefs and home growers alike for its unique, elongated shape and sophisticated flavour.

Fruit Profile: Tall and slender with a yellowish-green skin and occasional russeting. The flesh is exceptionally sweet, melting, and aromatic with a hint of honey.

Requirements:

 - Climate: Performs beautifully in the Eastern Cape's sunny conditions. 

 - Feeding: Use CFT Liquid Fertilizer (R80) during spring to support its heavy fruit set.

 - Pruning: Responds well to "central leader" pruning to keep the fruit within reach.

Forelle Pear Tree

The "Trout" Pear: Named after the German word for trout, this heritage variety is famous for its beautiful "speckled" skin that turns bright red as it ripens.

Fruit Profile: A smaller, bell-shaped pear with a crisp, sugary-sweet crunch. It is one of the most visually stunning fruits you can grow in an urban farm.

Requirements:

 - Chill Hours: Requires a moderate winter chill to set fruit well.

 - Pollination: Pairs perfectly with Bon Chretien or Packham.

 - Care: Thinning the fruit in early summer ensures larger, higher-quality pears.

Packham Pear Tree

The Reliable Producer: If you want a heavy-cropping, hardy tree, the Packham is the industry standard in South Africa. It is incredibly reliable and produces large volumes of fruit.

Fruit Profile: Large and "bumpy" in shape with a skin that changes from green to light yellow. It has a creamy, juicy texture and is excellent for both fresh eating and poaching.

Requirements:

 - Soil: Thrives in our Triple Mix Farm Soil (R50); ensure the planting hole is well-drained.

 - Storage: One of the best varieties for long-term storage in the fridge.

 - Hardiness: Extremely wind-tolerant, making it a great choice for Gqeberha gardens.

Bon Chretien (Williams) Pear Tree

The World’s Favourite: Also known as the "Williams" pear, this is the most widely grown pear globally. It is the gold standard for canning, juicing, and eating fresh.

Fruit Profile: The classic bell shape with a thin, smooth skin. When ripe, it is incredibly fragrant and so juicy it practically melts in your mouth.

Requirements:

 - Versatility: Can be picked green to ripen indoors or left on the tree for immediate eating.

 - Pollination: A fantastic universal pollinator that helps other pear trees in your garden produce more fruit.

 - Water: Needs consistent moisture during the heat of February to prevent fruit drop.