How to Grow Bosc Pears

Bosc pears are long-necked fruits with russet skin.

Bosc pear (Pyrus communis "Beurre Bosc") is also called dessert pear, Calebasse Bosc pear and Beurre Bosc. Originating in Belgium, the Bosc pear grows best in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 5 through 9. This European-variety pear tree produces long-necked fruits with russet skin that are eaten fresh or used in recipes. Most pear trees, including the Bosc pear, require 1 or 2 other pear-tree varieties planted nearby for cross-pollination, and Bartlett pear trees are often used for this purpose.

Things You'll Need

• 1 or 2 additional pear trees
• Spade
• Hand pruner
• Fertilizer
• Mulch

Instructions

1. Plant Bosc pear trees in locations with full sun and well-drained soil. The best time of year to plant is in spring when you can work the soil, which will allow the roots to begin to grow before the heat of summer arrives.

2. Space the pear trees according to the expected mature size, which ranges from 20 to 25 feet in width for Bosc pears. Plant the other pear varieties between 30 and 50 feet away from the Bosc tree to ensure cross-pollination.

3. Train the Bosc pear tree as a central-leader with 1 main center branch and several well-positioned lateral branches. Select branches growing at a 45- to 60-degree angle, when possible, or use special branch spreaders to obtain these angles. Prune the pear tree as needed to retain its shape as it matures.

4. Apply a standard fertilizer, like 10-10-10, as directed on the label beginning 2 to 3 weeks after planting. Reapply every spring thereafter. Spread the fertilizer around the drip line and keep it several inches away from the trunk. Do not fertilize any pear trees that grow more than 10 inches yearly, which could encourage a fire-blight problem.

5. Control weeds from emerging around the pear tree by adding a 3- to 4-inch layer of mulch, or lightly cultivate the area as needed. Keep the mulch away from the trunk of the Bosc pear tree and replenish the mulch annually to maintain the depth.

6. Water the Bosc pear well at planting time and throughout the first few seasons to allow the root system to become established. Supply supplemental watering in the absence of rainfall 1 or 2 times weekly from spring through fall when the top inch or 2 is dry.

7. Harvest mature Bosc pears in the fall when they can easily be removed from the tree. Allow the mature fruits to ripen for a period of 1 month before using.

References

• Learn 2 Grow: Pyrus Communis "Beurre Bosc"
• University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension; Growing Pears in the Home Garden; William G. Lord, et al.; February 2010
• University of Idaho Cooperative Extension; Pears in the Home Garden; Wm. Michael Colt, et al.; June 1991

Resources

• USA Pears: Bosc