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PYRUS calleryana
Bradford Pear
Stock: Available
Family: Berberidaceae
Characteristics: Deciduous tree to 8 m spread 3 m
Seeds per packets: 15
Pyrus calleryana is a spectacularly showy tree in spring when it is covered with clusters of white flowers and again in autumn when its leaves turn bright yellow, mahogany and red.
This is an ornamental pear tree grown for its flowers and autumn foliage and not for an edible fruit.
Originates from China.
Adaptable to most soils but prefers an open sunny position, frost resistant but drought tender.
Although seed can be sown most of the year in Australia seed is generally best sown in spring, avoid the coldest and hottest months of the year. The optimum germination temperature for germination is around 18-22°C
Cold stratification is recommended.
This can be replicated by cold stratification in the refrigerator for 10-12 weeks. Alternatively over wintering in the garden in cold climates will assist germination.
- Nick seed with a sharp knife or abrade with sandpaper.
- Soak seed 24 hours in water.
- Sow seed the depth of the seed width.
- Water with fine mist spray to avoid disturbance of the seed.
- Ensure the mix is moist but not water logged.
- Place the container in plastic bag.
- Place the bagged container in the refrigerator for 10-12 weeks.
- Germination generally occurs in 21-28 days when moved to warmer temperatures after the period of cold treatment.
General note: Seeds of many natives are dormant and require specific conditions or pre-treatment for germination.
Do not be too hasty to discard seed that does not germinate, seeds will often lay dormant until the conditions are similar to their natural requirements for germination to occur. Containers put to one side will often surprise long after they were discarded.
