pear 'Fondante d'Automne'

Grow in any well-drained, fairly moisture retentive soil . The ideal pH is 6.5. Incorporate plenty of organic matter on thin soils. Choose a sheltered position in full sun. Suitable for all training forms, including espalier, cordon and fan-trained. Needs another cultivar for pollination. Keep a weed free area of 60cm radius around the trunk. Thin fruit if necessary

Regular pruning required; a spur bearer. Prune according to form: cordons, espaliers and pruning established fans. Can also be grown as standards or spindlebushes. For further guidance see: pruning new pear trees, summer pear pruning, winter pear pruning, renovating pear trees

Propagate by grafting or budding onto a rootstock for fruit. Quince rootstocks are usually used

May be attacked by aphids, caterpillars, codling moth, pear blister mite, pear midge and pear and cherry slugworm

Blossom wilt, brown rot, European pear rust, fireblight, pear scab and replant diseases may be troublesome