How to Grow Pear in New Zealand
Plant bare-root in winter (June to August) while dormant. Most pears need a compatible second variety nearby to set a good crop. Easier than apples with fewer pests, prune in winter and pick when the fruit lifts easily, then ripen indoors.
When to plant pear in New Zealand
Timing is everything in New Zealand, where the warm north and the cooler south are weeks apart. Sow or plant in these months for your region:
| Region | When to sow or plant |
|---|---|
| Northland | June, July, August |
| Auckland | June, July, August |
| Waikato & BoP | June, July, August |
| Wellington | June, July, August |
| Nelson & Marlborough | June, July, August |
| Canterbury | June, July, August |
| Otago & Southland | June, July, August |
| Central Otago | June, July, August |
Best pear varieties for NZ
- Doyenne du Comice — Rich melting dessert pear, one of the best for flavour. (Waimea Nurseries)
- Taylors Gold — Russeted sweet juicy pear selected in New Zealand, reliable cropper. (Waimea Nurseries, garden centres)
- Winter Nelis — Late-keeping pear, good pollinator, productive home variety. (Oderings, garden centres)
- Nijisseiki (Nashi) — Crisp juicy Asian pear, eaten firm straight from the tree. (Waimea Nurseries)
How to grow pear
- Space plants about 400cm apart.
- Sow seed around 30cm deep.
- Position: full sun.
- Ready to harvest in roughly 365 days.
- Seeds germinate in about 1 days.
Companion planting
Grow pear near: Nasturtium, Chives, Garlic, Comfrey, Marigold.
Pests and problems
Watch for: Codling moth, Pear slug, Leafroller, Birds. See our NZ pest and disease guide for organic control.
For a calendar tuned to your exact region, see the New Zealand planting guides or the Pear plant page.
FAQ
When is the best time to plant pear in New Zealand?
In the warm north (Auckland, Northland) sow in June, July, August. Cooler regions plant a little later. Check the table above for your region.
Where can I buy pear seeds or plants in NZ?
Try Waimea Nurseries, garden centres, Oderings.