Pear Tree (Comice)

Planting & Care

Planting & Care – Comice Pear

Site Selection

• Performs well with 1/2 day to full day of sun—ideal for cooler climates.
• Select a site with good airflow to reduce disease risk.
• Avoid areas with poor drainage or standing water.

Soil Preparation

• Comice prefers well-drained loamy soil but adapts to many soil types.
• Lightly amend poor soils, but avoid heavy nitrogen or rich potting mixes.
• Ideal pH range: 6.0–7.0.

Planting Instructions

1. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball.
2. Plant at the same depth as it was growing in the nursery.
3. Backfill with native soil and water thoroughly.
4. Add mulch 2–3″ deep, keeping it away from the trunk.

Watering & Fertilizing

• Keep soil consistently moist during the first 1–2 years without allowing it to become soggy.
• In mild climates, water deeply 1–2 times per week during dry weather.
• In hot or windy climates, water 2–3 times per week during heat waves.
• Check soil 4–6″ down; water when dry at that depth.
• Once established (year 3+), deep water every 7–14 days in dry conditions.
• Comice is a medium feeder: apply a light, balanced fertilizer in early spring only if growth is weak.

Pollination

• Requires a European pear for pollination.
• Compatible partners include Bartlett, Anjou, Bosc, Seckel, and Warren.
• Plant within 20–30 ft for strong fruit set.

Pruning & Training

• Train to a central leader or modified central leader structure.
• Prune in late winter to shape and improve airflow.
• Thin fruit in early summer for larger, better-quality pears.

Harvest & Use

• Fruit should be picked firm and ripened indoors for best flavor.
• Excellent fresh, in desserts, or as a premium gift pear.
• Stores well in cold refrigeration for extended periods.

General Tips

• Mulch annually to retain moisture and reduce weed competition.
• Monitor for fire blight; prune out infected shoots promptly.
• Semi-dwarfing rootstock keeps size manageable for pruning and harvesting.