Bosc Pear

Bosc Pear (Pyrus communis 'Bosc')

Bosc Pear is a classic European pear recognized by its bronze russeted skin, elongated neck, and firm, fine-grained flesh; trees bloom with white spring flowers and produce richly flavored fruit prized for fresh eating, poaching, and baking.

Distinctive Features

Dense, aromatic flesh with sweet, subtly spicy flavor holds shape under heat for standout culinary use; handsome russeted skins and glossy foliage add ornamental value through the season.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun (6+ hours) for best bloom, fruit set, and sugar.
• Soil: Deep, well-drained loam enriched with organic matter; avoid standing water and compaction.
• Water: Keep evenly moist from bloom through fruit swell; reduce slightly after harvest without allowing drought.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 9.
• Mature Size: About 12 to 18 ft tall and wide on semi-dwarf; 8 to 12 ft on dwarf rootstocks.
• Bloom Time: Spring; harvest late summer to early fall, then finish ripening indoors.
• Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral, about 6.0 to 7.0.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Spring blossom and bronzed fruit create a seasonal centerpiece.
• Home Orchard: Reliable late-season pears for fresh eating and cooking.
• Espalier Training: Spur-bearing habit suits cordons and fans on fences or walls.
• Edible Landscape: Attractive canopy integrates with herbs and pollinator borders.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Deeply soak when the top 1 to 2 in are dry; increase frequency during heat, bloom, and fruit swell.
• Pruning: Winter prune to open the canopy and renew fruiting spurs; summer pinch vigorous shoots to improve light and airflow.
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, low to moderate nitrogen fruit tree fertilizer in early spring based on soil test; avoid excess nitrogen that encourages soft, blight-prone growth.
• Mulching: Spread 2 to 3 in of organic mulch over the root zone, keeping it off the trunk, to conserve moisture and moderate temperature.
• Notes: Requires a compatible European pear pollinizer such as Anjou or Bartlett; thin clusters after June drop, monitor for fire blight and pear psylla, and pick fruit firm to finish ripening at room temperature.

Why Choose Bosc Pear?

• Culinary Standout: Firm, sweet-spicy flesh excels for poaching and baking.
• Late Harvest: Extends the pear season with dependable ripening.
• Ornamental Russet: Bronze skins and glossy leaves enrich edible landscapes.
• Training Flexibility: Performs as free-standing tree or formal espalier.

Plant in full sun with deep, well-drained soil, pair with a compatible pollinizer, and harvest firm for peak texture and flavor.