Origin:

Introduced by the USDA in 1960’s

Description:

Named in honor of Dr. John R. Magness, long-time director of the USDA’s apple and pear breeding program. It’s a cross between two world class dessert pears; Comice and Seckel.  Very resistant to Fireblight and the large, delicious fruit does not need counter ripening after harvest.

  • Uses: Fresh Eating, Cooking, Caning, Wine
  • Flavor: Sweet, Aromatic
  • Fruit Size: Large
  • Pollination: Requires another pear variety. Pollen sterile, can not pollinate other pears.
  • Ripens: Mid-September, Dose not require additional ripening after harvest.
  • Keeps 1-3 Months in Cold Storage
  • Fireblight:  Very Resistant
  • USDA Zones: 5-10