Propagation
Sow fresh seeds during autumn and place in a cold frame until germination occurs, during mid to late winter. Prick out and pot up when large enough to handle. Stored seeds require stratification for 90 days at -1.6şC (32 to 36°F).

Culture
Normally little pruning is required. When young the plant may be trained to form a single trunk or to form a vase habit. The plant may also be espaliered against a wall or on a wire frame. Established plants flower then fruit on two to three year old wood and over pruning results in excessive foliage and no flowers.


Botanic information
Leaf: The leaves are ovate to elliptical up to 50 mm (2 in) wide with an acute to an abruptly acuminate apex with a broad-cuneate base and a petiole to 50 mm (2 in) long. The upper surface is a glossy dark green and the underside is dull green and during autumn the leaves turn red to maroon before falling.

Flower: The small white 5-pettled crateriform flowers are pink tinged in bud and appeared prolifically in an umbel-like raceme in groups of 5-9,and appear from early to mid spring. They are pollinated by insects.

Fruit: The wild common pome is a green to yellow with a hard texture and required bletting prior to eating or for use in culinary dishes. Many of the cultivars produce sweet tasting pears.


Note
This tree has been cultivated since the Greek and Roman period and is it one of the most important fruit production trees in temperate regions. It is the parent of about 20-25 cultivars that are commonly grown in commercial orchards in Europe, North America and Australia but hundreds of cultivars are available. Common Pear is not commonly cultivated as ornamental as it is prone to pests and diseases.