Pear
Bosc Pollination Guide
Bosc requires a compatible pollination partner to produce fruit.
Without a different compatible variety nearby, Bosc will bloom but won't set fruit. You need at least one partner variety planted within 50–100 feet. Choose from the compatible varieties listed below — they bloom at the right time and have compatible genetics.
Bosc Quick Facts
Chill Hours
800 hours
Hardiness Zones
5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Harvest
September to October
Planning Your Orchard
Pear trees should be planted within 50–100 feet of a compatible partner. European pears (Bartlett, Anjou, Bosc) cross-pollinate each other well. Asian pears can also be pollinated by European pears if bloom times overlap. Space standard pear trees 20–25 feet apart, or 12–15 feet for dwarf rootstock.
Keep a record of every tree you plant — variety, rootstock, location.
Start your free tree log →Compatible Pollination Partners
Can I Grow Bosc?
Check if your climate has enough chill hours for Bosc. Enter your zip code for an instant answer.
Check your zip code →Interactive Pollination Checker
Compare pollination compatibility across all 60+ fruit tree varieties in our database.
Open checker →Most people forget within a year.
Which pairs fruited well, what bloomed when, what you did each season — write it down from the start.
Free for up to 30 plants. No card needed.
About Bosc
Bosc is the elegant russeted pear with dense, honey-sweet flesh that holds its shape when poached or baked. Its long neck and cinnamon-brown skin make it instantly recognizable.
Growing Challenges
Slow to come into bearing (5-7 years); fire blight can be devastating in warm, wet springs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can European pears pollinate Bosc?
Yes, most European pear varieties can cross-pollinate each other. Good partners for Bosc include Bartlett, D'Anjou, Kieffer.
How close does a pollinator need to be to Bosc?
For reliable pollination, plant the partner variety within 50–100 feet of Bosc. Bees are the primary pollinators and typically work within this range. In practice, a tree in your yard or even a neighbor's nearby tree can work. The closer the trees, the more consistent the fruit set.
Can I grow just one Bosc tree?
No — Bosc requires a compatible pollination partner to produce fruit. Without a second tree of a different variety nearby, it will bloom but won't set fruit.
Other Pear Varieties
Related Tools
Pollination Checker
Interactive tool to find compatible pollination partners for any fruit tree.
Can I Grow Bosc?
Check if your zip code has enough chill hours for this variety.
Chill Hour Checker
Validate chill hours for any fruit tree variety by zip code.
Frost Date Finder
Find your first and last frost dates to plan bloom protection.
Pollination data compiled from university extension services, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) pollination group charts, RosBREED cherry S-allele research, and nursery compatibility guides. Pollination compatibility can vary by region and microclimate. For best results, consult your local extension office.