SPECIFICATIONS:
- Projected height and spread: 10–16 ft. on semi-dwarfing rootstock; space 12–16 ft. apart
- Growth habit: Upright, vigorous deciduous tree; large and productive
- Light requirements: Full sun; 6–8 hours minimum daily; tolerates half-day sun
- Fertilizer requirements: Balanced fruit tree fertilizer applied in spring at bud break; moderate fertility supports good growth; excess nitrogen increases fire blight susceptibility
- Water requirements: 1–2 inches per week during the growing season; well-draining soil essential; reduce irrigation in fall
DESCRIPTION:
With its distinctive elongated neck and warm russet-brown skin, the Bosc pear is instantly recognizable — and its flavor more than matches its looks. Dense, aromatic flesh is sweet, honey-rich, and buttery, holding up beautifully both fresh and cooked. Bosc is the top choice for baking, poaching, and drying, and it ripens in mid-to-late fall, extending the fresh fruit season well after summer varieties are done.
Bosc requires cross-pollination to produce a full crop; Bartlett, D'Anjou, or Comice are reliable pollinators with overlapping bloom windows. Asian pear varieties can also serve as pollinators. Trees thrive in the East Bay's warm summers and mild winters, needing around 500–600 chill hours — well within Alameda County's range. Like all European pears, Bosc is susceptible to fire blight; avoid overfertilizing with nitrogen and remove any affected wood promptly. Annual dormant pruning in late winter maintains tree structure and encourages consistent production. On semi-dwarfing OHxF rootstock, Bosc reaches 10–12 ft. in height and yields 50 or more pounds of fruit per season — a productive and beautiful addition to any East Bay edible landscape.
