Comice Pear Tree (Pyrus communis ‘Comice’)

Sun Needs:

• Full sun (6–8 hours daily)
• Prefers a sunny, sheltered location with good air circulation

Bloom Time:

• Mid to late spring
• Fruit ripens in early to mid-fall (typically September to October)

Size:

Height: 15 to 18 feet (standard). 8 to 12 feet (on dwarf rootstock).

Width: 12 to 15 feet

Attributes:

• Large, round pears with greenish-yellow skin and red blush
• Creamy-white, buttery flesh with a sweet, floral flavor
• Considered one of the finest dessert pears
• Requires a compatible pollinator (e.g., Bartlett, Moonglow, or Bosc)
• Hardy in USDA Zones 5–9
• Attractive white spring blossoms and glossy green foliage

Care Tips:

• Plant in well-drained, loamy soil with a pH of 6.0–7.0
• Water regularly during dry periods, especially while fruit is developing
• Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds
• Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer
• Prune in late winter to maintain shape and improve airflow
• Thin fruit if needed to prevent limb breakage and improve size

Pest Watch:

• Monitor for fire blight, codling moth, and pear psylla
• Use dormant oil spray in late winter and maintain good orchard hygiene
• Protect ripening fruit from birds and squirrels if needed