Suij European Pear

Is it ok for the pears to remain on the tree through a frost, or should they be picked before frost and then put into cold storage?

Leave the pears on until after first frost, it actually makes the sugar content higher.

Does Suij soften after it is brought out of cold storage to ripen, or does it stay crunchy even after it is brought out of cold storage and allowed to ripen? Which of your pear varieties can be stored cold, but when brought out to ripen for eating, get soft?

Suij is a winter pear, along with varieties like Bosc, Comice, and Warren. It will need 45-60 days in cold storage before it ripens over a week at room temperature. It will soften and the cold conditioning is to improve the texture of the flesh. With the exception of Bosc, all ripe pears should be slightly soft at the stem and have a soft flesh when eaten.

Is it possible to espalier european pears like this?

It depends. Pears can be espalier trained in a fan shape, but not a cordon or candlestick shape due to hormonal requirements.

Laura-- in your video you mentioned 45 days of chill time after picking. Does this mean in a fridge? Or will storing in a garage do? I live in the Puget Sound area if that helps answer the question. My Siju tree is only a few years old, and this year was the first time it produced fruit. It developed a fungal infection this spring and I only got stunted fruit. But I'm hopeful for next year's crop will be better and would like to know how to store the pears once picked. Thanks for a great video!

45 degrees at 40 degrees or below. That is usually doable in a garage in most winters, but a warm winter could foul your plans. Make sure the pears are picked carefully and not dropped or stacked too deeply to prevent brusing. Brusing will ruin your ability to keep them long enough to condition them. Good luck!