Silver Creek Nursery Ltd.

Conference Pear Scionwood

Scionwood is not a tree, yet!

Scionwood, or scions (pronounced 'sigh-ons'), are the young, one-year shoots you graft with in order to propagate a variety. If you want to propagate a Gala apple tree, for example, you would graft with Gala scionwood!

We collect these scions from trees in our test orchards and are happy to be able to offer rare/heritage varieties!

For more information on scionwood and grafting, click HERE!

History: Conference pears were found growing in the nursery of Thomas Francis River in the UK in 1884. The following year, he introduced the variety at the National British Pear Conference in London where it won fist place, solidifying its reputation and earning its name. Conference pears continue to be grown in several European countries today where it remains very popular. 

Why We Grow It: This old variety has remained popular due to its pleasant and sweet flavour. It can be eaten right off the tree and will keep for a couple months. The fruit itself has an elongated neck, giving it a rather odd appearance. 

      $8.50

      Propagation Material:

      Out of stock

      Fruit Traits:

      Recommended Use: Fresh eating

      Fruit Size: Medium

      Storage: Keeps until November when stored in cool, humid conditions

      Harvest: September - Late

      Plant Traits:

      Canadian Hardiness Zone: 4

      Flowering Time: Middle

      Pollination Requirements: Requires a pollinator of a different pear variety (European or Asian) that blooms around the same time

      Sun/Shade Requirements: Full sun (approx. 8-10 hours of sun daily)

      General Growth Habit: Hardy, reliable crops, grows well in pots, spur-bearing. Somewhat susceptible to scab and susceptible to canker and stony pit but somewhat resistant to mildew, fireblight, and coddling moth.

      Shipping: Scionwood can be shipped anytime in the spring, although we generally recommend that customers receive their scionwood by mid-April at the latest to ensure it arrives dormant. We can hold it longer if customers accept the risk that the scionwood may start breaking dormancy after this time.

      Pickup: We will notify you as soon as your scionwood is ready. We recommend picking it up as soon as you are able and storing it at home.

      Click HERE for tips on storing scionwood!

      CLICK HERE to see our shipping policy.

      Each scion will have at least 2-4 grafts' worth of material and ideally will be approximately 12-18" or 30cm+ long. Since we specialize in so many varieties/species, there will be natural differences in growth habit and vigour so some varieties may be shorter or thinner. We will provide the best quality we can, within natural restraints.

      If a scion is less than 6" or 15cm, it will be discounted accordingly.

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