How to Grow Pear in Australia
A cool-season fruit for the long-term patch
Growing your own Pear is one of the more satisfying things you can do in an Australian backyard. It is rated intermediate to grow. Saves ~$4-8/week in season, one mature tree produces 20-50 kg of fruit per year.
This guide covers when to plant Pear in your region, the position and soil it likes, how to plant it, day-to-day care, the pests and diseases to watch, and how to harvest and store your crop.
When to Plant in Your Region
Pear is a cool-season crop, fully frost-hardy. In subtropical South-East Queensland it is best planted in June, July and August. Timing shifts with your climate, so choose your region below for a local calendar.
Varieties to Try
Williams (Bartlett)
The classic dessert pear. Sweet, juicy, aromatic. Mid-season. Widely available. The supermarket standard.
Try: Daleys Fruit, Flemings, Bunnings
Packham
Australian-bred. Large green pear, sweet and juicy. Late season, excellent keeper. The other Aussie supermarket pear.
Try: Daleys Fruit, Flemings, Bunnings
Beurre Bosc
Brown-skinned with firm, sweet flesh. Excellent for poaching and baking. Mid-late season.
Try: Daleys Fruit, Flemings, Bunnings
Nashi (Nijisseiki)
Asian pear. Round, crisp, apple-like texture. Eat firm. Lower chill requirement than European pears.
Try: Daleys Fruit, Flemings, Bunnings
Position and Soil
Give Pear full sun (at least 6 hours a day). It does best in free-draining soil with a pH around 6 to 7. Dig through plenty of compost before planting, and mulch to hold moisture and keep weeds down. It can be container-grown in 50cm+ (dwarf varieties), though it is happier in the ground.
Planting
Plant Pear into a well-prepared hole the same depth as the rootball and twice as wide. Allow about 400 cm between plants (more for full-size trees) so each has room and airflow. Water in well, stake if needed, and keep the area weed-free while it establishes.
Plant bare-root in winter (June-August). Pears need chill hours and perform best in Melbourne, Hobart, Canberra and Adelaide. Most need a pollination partner. Easier to grow than apples with fewer pest issues. Harvest when fruit lifts easily from the branch, then ripen indoors on the bench. Prune to an open vase shape. Long-lived and productive trees.
Care
Water consistently, roughly 15 L per plant every 3 days in warm weather, less in cool or wet spells. Feed every few weeks through the growing season with a balanced organic fertiliser, and keep mulch topped up.
Pests and Diseases
Keep an eye out for Codling moth, Pear and cherry slug, Scale and Birds. The main diseases to watch are Fire blight, Pear scab and Black spot. Good spacing, watering at the base rather than over the leaves, and crop rotation prevent most problems. See our Pest and Disease Guide to identify and fix any issue.
Harvesting and Storage
Pear is typically ready to harvest within roughly 12 months once established (young plants may take a season or two longer). Ripen on bench after picking. Fridge for 1-3 months depending on variety.
In the Kitchen
In the kitchen, pear is good eaten fresh when ripe, poached in wine with spices, baked into tarts and crumbles and made into pear butter and preserves. Nutritionally: good source of fibre and vitamin C and contains copper and potassium.
Companion Planting
Pear grows well alongside Nasturtium, Chives, Garlic, Comfrey and Marigold. Keep it away from Walnut. Our Companion Planting Guide has the full pairings.
Track Your Pear Growing
Add pear to your garden in the Planting Season app and get reminders for planting, care and harvest, tuned to your region.
Open the App →Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Pear in Australia?
Pear is a cool-season crop. In subtropical regions like South-East Queensland it is best planted in June, July and August. Timing changes with your climate, so use the calendar above for your region.
How long does Pear take to grow?
Pear is generally ready to harvest within roughly 12 months once established (young plants may take a season or two longer).
How much sun does Pear need?
Give it full sun (at least 6 hours a day) for the healthiest growth and best harvest.
See also: Pear in the Plant Library
