Bolshaya Pear

Bolshaya is one of our newest introductions. Given that we do not have experience growing it, and that it is hard to find original info on this pear in the U.S., we have translated from this Russian site here, and put it in our own words (without altering any of the information). 

Origins

Bolshaya is a modern Russian cultivar originating from the South Ural Research Institute of Fruit, Vegetable, and Potato Growing (UNIPOK). It was bred by E. E. Falkenberg, A. Mazunin, and L. I. Bolotina, selected from a cross between Ussurian pear seedlings and the Havisel variety. Its original breeding form was designated 105-4-75.

Tree Characteristics

The tree is vigorous, forming a large, wide-spreading crown. Productivity is described as consistently high.

Fruit Description

Fruits are round-shaped, ripening to a light yellow with a soft, light blush. Average fruit size ranges from 90–115 g, with larger specimens reaching up to 145 g. The variety shows no susceptibility to scab.

Ripening occurs in the first half of September, and fruits store for approximately three weeks under normal conditions.

Flavor & Texture

The flesh is white, very juicy, with a thin, nearly imperceptible skin. When allowed to fully ripen on the tree, Bolshaya is considered a true dessert pear, rated 4.7–4.9 points (our of 5) by UNIPOK tasters. At full maturity it develops an excellent, sweet, harmonious flavor with a strong, pleasant pear aroma; granulation is minimal to nonexistent.

Important maturity note:
If harvested at "removable maturity"—early yellowing but not fully ripe—the flavor is described as mediocre, rated only 3.7–4.2 due to a persistent tart firmness that does not dissipate in storage. Maximum quality is achieved only when left to ripen completely on the tree.

Water Requirements

Bolshaya responds noticeably to adequate irrigation. Under moisture stress, the fruits become dry and lose their characteristic juiciness.

Overall Assessment

According to evaluations from UNIPOK, Bolshaya holds the highest flavor rating of any pear variety ever bred in the Southern Urals, provided it is allowed to ripen fully on the tree. Its combination of winter hardiness, productivity, dessert quality, and aromatic character make it one of the standout pears of its breeding region.

Hardiness

We have data in Montana on how Bolshaya has done here (see below). We'll first list what the Russian site says and then explain how the tree has done on a site in Bozeman.

Russian website

Winter hardiness is considered quite high—higher than Krasulya and Raduzhnaya (Rainbow), but slightly below Uralochka and Krasnobokaya—placing it firmly among the reliable cold-climate pears of the Southern Urals.

Growing in Montana

We obtained cuttings from Les McCartney (Bozeman, MT) in spring 2025, and these trees originate from those grafts and newer ones (see grades). Les grows Bolshaya on the valley floor, where his tree has withstood temperatures near –45°F without any winter injury. Given both its Russian breeding background and its performance in Montana, Bolshaya can confidently be considered a solid Zone 2 pear.