Magness pear trees

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• Self-fertility: Not self-fertile
• Pollination group: 3

A high quality late-season eating pear, developed to be fireblight resistant.

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Magness pear trees for sale

Pre-order for delivery in spring 2027

• Semi-standard, 1-year bare-root tree $42.95 Mature height: 10ft-16ft after 10 years
  Semi-vigorous rootstock
  

  Out of stock
  

All about Magness pear trees

Magness is a high quality late-season eating pear, developed by the USDA in the mid 20th century. It is a cross between Doyenne du Comice - generally considered the best-flavored of all dessert pears - and the well-regarded American pear, Seckel. As you might expect given that parentage, the flavor is very good, with the buttery melting flesh which is characteristic of the best European pears.

The pears should ripen about 3 weeks after Bartlett - which in most areas will be late September or early October. They should be picked before fully ripe, and then ripened indoors. They can also be stored in a cool place (or a fridge) for several months.

How to grow

Like its relative, Comice, the blossom of Magness is not easy to pollinate, so for best results make sure another compatible pear tree is planted close by.

Although it is not a triploid variety, Magness has some triploid characteristics - it is quite vigorous, the fruits are relatively large, and it is also a poor pollinator of other pear varieties.

Magness is resistant to mildrew and scab and has very good fireblight resistance, making it a good choice for areas prone to this disease.

Advice on fruit tree pollination.

History

Magness is named after Dr. John R. Magness, who led the USDA apple and pear breeding programs in the 1930s - 1950s. It was developed from Comice and Seckel.

Magness characteristics

• What level of gardening skill is needed to grow Magness?Average
• Is Magness self-fertile?Not self-fertile
• What flowering group is Magness?3
• Is Magness good for pollinating others?Poor
• What season do you pick Magness?Late
• UsesEating fresh
• How long can you keep Magness in a fridge?1-2 months
• What is the overall disease resistance of Magness?Good
• How resistant is Magness to fire blight?Very resistant
• Is Magness resistant to scab?Some resistance
• Is Magness resistant to powdery mildew?Some resistance
• What is the USDA hardiness zone for Magness?Zone 5 (-29C)
• Summer maximum temperaturesCool ( 20-24C / 68-75F)Warm (25-30C / 76-85F)
• Where does Magness originate from?United States
• When was Magness first introduced?1950 - 1999
• Flesh colorCream
• Fruit colorGreen / Yellow