Pear

'Doyenne du Comice ' is a popular dessert pear with a fine flavour that was introduced from France in 1849. Pears flower two to four weeks earlier than apples and need slightly warmer conditions. The variety 'Concorde' makes a good pollination partner. All pears are grafted on rootstocks which affect their size and vigour, and may be trained in a number of different shapes. Pruning depends on the tree form and vigour of the rootstock, and should be checked in a handbook. 'Doyenne du Comice' should be picked in October while still firm and stored until November before eating.