PEAR CARE

Q Why does pear tree blossom now just shrivel and die?

I’d recommend shortening this summer’s new growth by about a third, in mid-August, to promote the formation of flowers buds. Apply a sprinkling of sulphate of potash around the tree at the same time. Don’t prune in winter and avoid hard pruning because this can promote strong growth and discourage flowering.

AYour pear’s foliage seems healthy and, from what I can see, the blooms are withering without any sign of fruit setting. That makes me wonder which cultivar it is. The most popular pear is ‘Conference’ because it’s self fertile – most others need a pollinator or they’ll bloom but not set fruit. I wonder if there used to be a pear nearby that was pollinating your tree but has been cut down? Because the tree seems healthy and has cropped before, I’d suggest you plant another tree. ‘Conference’ or ‘Concorde’ would be good choices.