Summary: Pyrus communis (Pear) is a plant in the Rosaceae family. Verdica documents 15 traditional uses, 137 phytochemical compounds, and 24 herb-drug interactions for this species.
Pyrus species are deciduous trees or shrubs up to 20m (66ft) high with scented white flowers in spring and green or brown fruits. Several species of pears are valued for their edible fruit, while others are ornamental cultivated trees. Depending on the species and cultivar, fruit is available from summer to late autumn. The European Pear or Common Pear (P. communis) is native to Europe and Southwest Asia and widely planted in North America. Many cultivars are available for garden fruit production. The cultivar choice depends on the site conditions, garden size, taste, use (eating or cooking), disease resistance and storage. For high yields, pears need pollination from a different cultivar that flowers simultaneously. European pear trees can be dwarf to large trees depending on the rootstock. Asian pears have similar cultivation needs to European pears. Pears, like apples, require a certain number of hours of exposure to cold temperatures, called ‘chill hours,’ to produce fruit. Some pear varieties have lower chill hour requirements than others, making them well-suited for growing in regions with mild winters, such as California, Florida and Texas. Low-chill pear varieties include: Bartlett: This is a sweet and juicy variety with a yellow colour and a soft texture. It requires around 400 chill hours and ripens in late summer to early autumn. Comice: This is a sweet and juicy variety with a green colour and a soft texture. It requires around 400 chill hours and ripens in mid-autumn. Warren: This is a sweet and juicy variety with a green colour and a soft texture. It requires around 400 chill hours and ripens in late autumn. Magness: This is a sweet and juicy variety with a red colour and a firm texture. It requires around 200 chill hours and ripens in autumn. Shinseiki: This is a sweet and juicy variety with a yellow colour and a crisp texture. It requires around 100 chill hours and ripens from late summer to autumn. Harvesting: Summer to autumn, depending on the variety and climate. Bloom Color: White. Main Bloom Time: Early spring, Late spring, Mid spring. Form: Oval, Rounded.
| Sunlight | Full sun (6+ hours) |
| Watering | Regular — 1-2 inches per week during growing season |
| Soil | Rich, well-drained, slightly acidic (pH 6.0-6.5) |
| Hardiness Zone | USDA 3-9 |
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