Pyrus communis 'Harrow Delight'

This is a high-quality hybrid pear tree (Old Home x ‘Early Sweet’) x ‘Bartlett’ with an early bearing character. It is very resistant to Blight and Pear Scab. 

Although The Harrow Delight Pear tree is a heavy fruit bearing tree, it will take 2 to 3 years before your young tree will begin to produce fruits.  Its highest fruit production will occur every 2 years.

Proper placement of this tree can have a bearing on its successful fruit production.  Avoid low-lying areas where cold pockets of air can form.  A spot receiving full sun is required during the growing season in order for the fruits to succeed.  

When ripening is left to occur naturally, the fruits will not ripen evenly.  Remove the fruit from the tree before they are fully ripened and allow to ripen in storage for 5 to 7 days.  If they are left on the tree until they are soft to the touch, they will become a soft brown gritty mush.  

For the best production of fruits, prune your tree on an annual basis.  For the highest quality fruits, thin your tree in late spring or early summer.  The white flesh is juicy and sweet.

Propagation is typically accomplished by grafting, using a clonal rootstock, that is one that is produced from the same type of tree you are attempting to duplicate.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  The most serious pear disease is fireblight.  Insect issues can include leaf rollers, blister mites, aphids, caterpillars, and scale insects.  Powdery mildew is also an issue.

VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Vegetables, Herbs, Fruits, and Nuts" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.   

More information on Pyrus communis.