Madame Bonnefond

Taste

Susceptibility & resistance

Breeder

M. Bonnefond

Pollination

self-sterile – needs a pollinator variety

Given in thirds of a month (early / mid / late) for the northern hemisphere in a temperate climate; altitude and season shift them.

Fruit

Semi-melting to melting, juicy, moderately sweet with low acidity and little aroma. A tasty winter pear on a suitable site.

Growth

Medium-strong growth. The fruit is not wind-firm.

Yield

Early start of bearing, later very high and regular. Heavy fruit set makes thinning necessary to improve quality.

Notes

For standard orchard, garden and espalier. Warm sites with nutrient-rich, adequately moist soils, cultivation up to 300 m, raised heat needs. Hard to obtain true to variety. Tree-ripe early to mid October, ready to eat late November to January; natural storage until frost, then at 1 to 2 degrees until January.

Care

Thin heavy sets to improve fruit size and flavour. Pick before full tree ripeness as fruit is not wind-firm. Protect from frost when storing.