Pear Tree (Comice)

Description

Comice is widely regarded as one of the finest dessert pears ever developed. Exceptionally sweet, juicy, and aromatic, it has a buttery texture and rich flavor that make it a favorite among pear enthusiasts and premium fruit gift boxes. When ripe, Comice pears become tender, fragrant, and incredibly flavorful. This Comice pear grows on a semi-dwarfing rootstock, keeping the tree to a comfortable, manageable size for homeowners. Its growth habit makes pruning, thinning, and harvesting easier while still providing strong vigor and dependable cropping.

The tree performs well in a wide range of soils and is naturally tolerant of fire blight compared to many older rootstocks. Comice is not self-fertile and requires another European pear variety nearby for pollination. Compatible partners include Bartlett, Bosc, Anjou, and Seckel.

Overview

• One of the best-tasting dessert pears—sweet, aromatic, and buttery.
• Semi-dwarf growth habit keeps the tree compact and easy to manage.
• Excellent for fresh eating, holiday boxes, and gourmet desserts.
• Requires another European pear for pollination.
• Reliable producer with good disease tolerance.

Growing Details

Latin Name: Pyrus communis ‘Comice’Site and Soil: 1/2 day to full day of sun; prefers well-drained soilRootstock: OHxF 97 (semi-dwarf)Hardiness: USDA Zone 5–9Bearing Age: 1–3 yearsSize at Maturity: 12–15 ft — compact and manageableBloom Time: Mid-seasonRipening Time: Late September to OctoberPollination: Requires another European pearPests & Diseases: Good fire blight toleranceYield: Moderate to heavy crops with proper thinning

Additional Notes

• Comice stays green when ripe—test by gently pressing near the stem.
• Pears are best picked firm and ripened indoors for peak quality.
• Semi-dwarf growth habit makes it ideal for smaller yards and home orchards.
• Explore more pear varieties in our collection: Pear Trees