The Royal Riviera pear is celebrated for its exceptional sweetness and juiciness. This pear is a specific marketing name for the Doyenné du Comice pear variety, which originated in Angers, France, around 1849. It was introduced to the United States in the 1850s, finding an ideal climate in Southern Oregon’s Rogue River Valley. The Royal Riviera pear’s reputation stems from its luxurious taste and texture, often associated with holiday gifting.
Characteristics of the Royal Riviera Pear
The Royal Riviera pear, a Comice variety, is known for its sweet, buttery taste and exceptionally juicy, melting, and smooth texture, which is less grainy than many other pear varieties. This richness allows for eating them with a spoon. These pears are typically large with green skin, sometimes showing a russet top or red blush.
Royal Riviera pears do not ripen fully on the tree. They are harvested when mature but still firm, then undergo a period of cold storage to develop their full flavor and buttery texture. This cold conditioning, simulating a winter period, is crucial for sugar development within the fruit.
Growing Conditions and Planting
Royal Riviera pear trees thrive in specific environmental conditions. They require at least six hours of direct sunlight daily and shelter from strong winds. A south-facing wall can provide a beneficial microclimate, protecting early spring blossoms from frost.
These trees grow best in well-draining, loamy soil with a pH level near 6.5. Proper drainage is important to prevent root rot. If the soil is heavy clay, amend it with organic matter like compost to improve structure and drainage. Plant pear trees during their dormant season, typically from late fall to early spring.
For bare-root trees, soak roots in water for several hours before planting. Dig the planting hole twice as wide as the root ball but only as deep, allowing the roots to spread out comfortably. Place the tree in the center, ensuring it sits at the same nursery depth, with the graft union at least four inches above the soil line. Backfill the hole with excavated soil, gently tamp down to eliminate air pockets, then water thoroughly to settle the soil. Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it away from the trunk, to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Care and Maintenance
Consistent watering is important for Royal Riviera pear trees, especially during their establishment phase. For the first year after planting, water a newly established tree deeply every few days, particularly during dry periods. Once the tree shows new growth, the watering frequency can be reduced to about once a week. Checking the soil moisture about two inches below the surface helps determine if watering is needed, aiming for evenly moist but not waterlogged soil. After establishment, mature pear trees generally require watering during fruit set and dry spells.
Fertilization supports healthy growth and fruit production. In early spring, before new growth begins, fertilize the pear tree with a balanced, slow-release formula (e.g., 10-10-10) designed for fruit trees. Avoid nitrogen-heavy fertilizers, as excessive nitrogen encourages leafy growth over fruit production and increases disease susceptibility. For young trees, monthly fertilization with smaller amounts can be beneficial throughout the growing season, while mature trees typically need annual fertilization.
Pruning is crucial for shaping the tree, improving air circulation, and promoting fruit production. Primary pruning should occur in late winter or early spring while the tree is dormant. Aim to establish a strong central leader with evenly spaced lateral branches to allow sunlight penetration and aid fruit ripening. Remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches as observed. Thin out crossing or rubbing branches and remove water sprouts to maintain tree health.
Royal Riviera pear trees are not self-fertile and require cross-pollination to produce fruit. Plant a different pear variety with overlapping bloom times nearby (ideally within 100 feet) for effective pollination. Compatible partners include Bosc, Anjou, and Bartlett varieties. Local bees and other insects facilitate the transfer of pollen between blossoms.
Pear trees are susceptible to certain pests and diseases. Fire blight, a bacterial disease, causes branches to appear scorched. Manage it by pruning infected branches at least 12 inches below the visible disease and disinfecting tools after each cut.
Codling moths, whose larvae burrow into fruit, can be managed by applying greasebands around the tree trunk in late summer. Other issues include pear scab (brown/black blotches on leaves/fruit) and pear psylla (tiny sap-sucking insects). Regular inspection and appropriate interventions help maintain tree health.
Harvesting and Storage
Royal Riviera pears must be harvested before they are fully ripe to prevent a mealy texture. Use the “tilt test”: if the stem easily separates from the branch when gently lifted horizontally, the pear is mature enough to pick. The harvest season typically begins in late August and lasts two to four weeks.
After harvesting, store pears at 30°F to 32°F for two to six weeks for cold conditioning. Once conditioned, ripen pears at room temperature (65°F to 75°F) for a few days to a week. Check ripeness by gently pressing near the pear’s neck; if it yields, it’s ready. To accelerate ripening, place pears in a brown paper bag with a ripe apple or banana. Once ripe, store pears in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
A lack of fruit production can stem from insufficient cross-pollination, as Royal Riviera pears are not self-fertile. Cultural stresses like inconsistent watering, poor soil drainage, too much shade, or insufficient chilling hours (600-900 hours below 45°F) can also reduce fruit yield.
Nutrient deficiencies can impact tree health. Pale green or yellowish leaves in midsummer may indicate a need for fertilizer. Over-fertilizing, especially with too much nitrogen, can lead to excessive leafy growth and fewer fruits, increasing disease susceptibility.
Environmental stresses, such as late freezes, can damage spring blossoms and reduce fruit yield. If fruit development is stunted or pears are small, it might be due to a lack of thinning. Thinning involves removing smaller fruits to allow the remaining ones to grow larger and develop better quality.