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Pears have been cultivated for around 4,000 years and were first brought to Australia aboard the First Fleet. They are now grown in all states with temperate climates, with 90% of the country's pears produced in the Goulburn Valley, where cool, mild winters and warm summers provide optimal growing conditions. Pear trees can be grown in small spaces and are long keepers, producing full-size fruits. The picking season usually starts in January, but pears are at their best in autumn and winter.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of main types grown | 8 |
| Most popular types | Williams, Packham |
| States grown in | All states with temperate climates |
| Optimal growing conditions | Cool mild winters, sun-drenched summers |
| Top growing region | Goulburn Valley |
| Other growing regions | Western Australia, Tasmania, South Australia |
| Season start date | January |
| Best season | Autumn, winter |
| Example of medium-sized variety | Beurre Bosc |
| Example of Australian variety | Packham |
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What You'll Learn
Pear varieties grown in Australia
Pears were first brought to Australia aboard the First Fleet and are now grown in all states that have temperate climate conditions. Ninety per cent of Australia's pears are grown in the Goulburn Valley, where cool, mild winters and sun-drenched summers provide optimal growing conditions. Western Australia, Tasmania, and South Australia also produce some pears. The pear-picking season starts in January, but pears are at their best in autumn and winter.
There are eight main types of pears grown in Australia: Beurré Bosc, Corella Forelle, Josephine de Malines, Packham's Triumph, Red Anjou, Red Sensation, Williams Bon Chretien, and Winter Nelis. Williams and Packham's Triumph are the most popular, with many Williams being processed into canning fruit and Packham's mostly sold fresh. Packham's Triumph is also Australia's most popular export pear, now available under the Goulburn River Gold® brand.
Williams pears, also known as Williams Bon Chretien or Bartlett pears, have green skin that turns yellow when ripe. They are smooth-textured, juicy, and sweet when fully matured, but can be crunchy and tart if consumed too soon.
Packham's Triumph, named after their creator, Charles Packham, are an Australian variety made from a cross between Williams Bon Chretien and St Germain pear. They are juicy, sweet, and slightly creamy, with a long season in Australia.
Corella pears, also an Australian variety, are smaller and can have more red blushing on the skin. Their flesh is moist and crisp with a mild, sweet flavour. They are named after the Australian native Corella parrot, known for its bright and colourful plumage. Corella pears were first grown in the Barossa Valley by German settlers in the 19th century.
Josephine pears are small and oblong in shape with a slightly crooked neck leading into a longer brown stem. When young, they are crunchy and sweet, and as they mature, they become more juicy, tender, and sweet.
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Pear growing seasons and conditions
Pears have been cultivated in Australia since they were first brought over on the First Fleet. Pear trees are grown in all states with temperate climates, with the picking season starting as early as January. However, pears are at their best in autumn and winter, particularly in areas with cool, mild winters and warm summers, such as the Goulburn Valley, where 90% of Australia's pears are grown.
There are eight main types of pears cultivated in Australia, with Williams (also known as Bartlett or Bon Chretien) and Packham's Triumph being the most popular. Williams pears are smooth-textured, juicy, and sweet when fully matured, but can be crunchy and tart if consumed too early. Packham pears are also juicy and sweet and are the most popular export pear from Australia. They are a mid-season pear, whereas Williams is an early-season variety.
Other Australian pear varieties include the Corella, a smaller pear with red-blushed skin and moist, crisp flesh, named after the colourful Corella parrot. Corella pears were first grown in the Barossa Valley by German settlers in the 19th century. Another Australian variety is the Josephine, a small, oblong pear with a brown stem. When young, it is crunchy and sweet, becoming juicier, tender, and sweeter as it matures.
The Beurre Bosc pear is a medium-sized variety with a thick, golden-tan skin. It is partially self-fertile and pollinated by other varieties such as the Nijisseiki nashi. The Red Anjou and Winter Nelis are also grown in Australia, although they are less common than the Williams and Packham varieties.
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Pear picking and availability
Pear picking in Australia can start as early as January, but pears are typically at their best during autumn and winter. The pear-picking season varies depending on the variety of pear. For example, Williams is an early-season variety, while Packham is a mid-season pear.
Packham pears have the longest season for pears in Australia. They are known for being juicy, sweet, and slightly creamy, making them one of the most popular varieties. Ninety per cent of Australia's pears are grown in the Goulburn Valley, which provides optimal growing conditions with cool, mild winters and sun-drenched summers.
Other popular pear varieties grown in Australia include Williams' Bon Chretien (also known as Bartlett), Beurre Bosc, Corella, and Josephine. Williams pears are smooth-textured, juicy, and sweet when fully matured, but can be crunchy and tart if consumed too early. Beurre Bosc pears are medium-sized with thick, golden-tan skin. Corella pears are a smaller Australian variety with red blushing skin and moist, crisp flesh. Josephine pears are small and oblong, with a slightly crooked neck and a longer brown stem.
In addition to the Goulburn Valley, Western Australia, Tasmania, and South Australia also produce some pears. The availability of pears in the market typically follows soon after the picking season starts in January.
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Pear exports from Australia
Pears have been cultivated in Australia for about 4,000 years, and they are now grown in all states with a temperate climate. The picking season for pears in Australia can start as early as January, but they are at their best in autumn and winter. Victoria is the largest pear-producing state in Australia, with over 90% of the country's pears grown in the Goulburn Valley region. This region's cool, mild winters and sunny summers provide optimal conditions for growing pears.
Australia exports 8% of its total pear production. In 2023, Australia was among the top 20 countries that shipped 97.8% of globally exported pears. However, Australia's pear exports declined by 18.4% that year. The most popular export variety is the Packham pear, a juicy, sweet, and slightly creamy Australian variety that is also one of the most popular among consumers in the country. Williams pears, also known as Bartlett pears, are another popular variety for export, often processed into canning fruit.
In terms of the global pear trade, Europe is the top exporter of pears, accounting for 47.7% of global exports in 2023, while Asia is the top importer, receiving 34.8% of global imports. Australia is a small player in the global pear export market, contributing only 0.5% of global exports, alongside New Zealand.
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Pear trees for small spaces
Pears have been cultivated for around 4,000 years and are now grown in most temperate regions of the world, including Australia. In Australia, pears are grown in states with temperate climates, with 90% of the country's pears grown in the Goulburn Valley.
If you want to grow pear trees in a small space, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, pear trees require full sun, so choose a location that receives at least six hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight every day. They also need rich, well-draining soil and moderate watering. Dwarf pear trees are a great option for small gardens as they only grow to about six to eight feet tall. Popular dwarf pear tree varieties include 'Bartlett', 'Shinseiki', 'Clapp's Favorite', 'Dwarf Bartlett', and 'Dwarf Anjou'.
When planting, consider installing a tree guard to protect your tree from winter injury and bark chewing by small mammals. Water your newly planted tree every week for the first year, and remember that pruning is important to keep your tree healthy and compact. Fruit trees should be pruned every year in late winter or early spring, removing any dead or diseased branches and thinning out overcrowded branches.
With careful planning, selecting the right dwarf or semi-dwarf pear tree variety, providing enough sunlight and water, and regular pruning, you can successfully grow pear trees in small spaces and enjoy fresh, delicious fruit straight from your garden.
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Frequently asked questions
Pears are grown in all states with temperate climate conditions. Ninety per cent of Australia's pears are grown in the Goulburn Valley, and Western Australia, Tasmania and South Australia also produce pears.
Pear-picking season in Australia can start as early as January, but pears are at their best in autumn and winter.
There are eight main types of pears grown in Australia: Beurre Bosc, Corella Forelle, Josephine de Malines, Packham's Triumph, Red Anjou, Red Sensation, Williams' Bon Chretien, and Winter Nelis.
Williams and Packham pears are the most popular varieties. Williams pears are smooth-textured, juicy, and sweet, while Packham pears are juicy, sweet, slightly creamy, and have the longest season for pears in Australia.
