How To Grow And Care For Asian Pear Trees

Common Name Asian pear, apple pear, sand pear Botanical Name Pyrus pyrifolia Family Rosaceae Plant Type Deciduous tree, shrub Mature Size 10-30 ft. tall, 6-30 ft. wide Sun Exposure Full Soil Type Well-drained, fertile, adapts to clay Soil pH Mildly acidic, neutral (6.0-7.0) Bloom Time Spring Flower Color White Hardiness Zones 5-8 or 9 (USDA) Native Area Asia Toxicity Seeds are toxic to pets

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, toxic to people

Asian Pear Tree Care

Asian pear trees require a sunny location in your garden in deep, well-drained soil. A few varieties are self-fruiting, but even with those you'll get significantly more fruit if you plant two or more different selections. Don't expect a European pear to pollinate an Asian pear if they bloom at different times. Fire blight is a problem for all pears, though Asian pears tend to be less susceptible than their European cousins. Choose resistant selections if this is a problem in your area. Plan to prune your pear tree annually for vigorous growth, good health, and a bountiful harvest.

Light

Site your tree in a sunny spot with at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight. Consider whether large trees or buildings will block the sun before you plant your tree. Give dwarf trees at least 6 feet of space from other plants for good light and full-sized pears about 12 to 15 feet.

Soil

Asian pear trees prefer deep, well-drained, fertile, loamy soil, but can adapt to other soils. Have your soil tested with the local extension office before planting to ensure a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. They will recommend the appropriate amendments if your soil is too alkaline. Heavy clay soils should be amended with one-third peat or coco fiber for drainage. Soils with poor fertility can be compensated for by fertilizing annually. Don't plant your tree where the soil is frequently wet.

To plant, dig a hole slightly wider and deeper than the rootball, loosening the soil in the process. When planting bare-root dwarf trees, the graft union must be 2 to 3 inches above the soil line so that the tree will maintain its size. Standard-size trees can be planted with the graft union at or just below the soil line.

Water

Water well when first planting and while the tree is getting established. In general, pear trees do best with an inch of water a week. Check the soil first; if it's moist, the tree does not need water. Larger, more established trees require less watering but should be watered during dry spells.

Temperature and Humidity

Asian pears are winter-hardy throughout the South. In order to fruit, they require a certain number of chill hours, or total hours in winter when the temperature is below 45 degrees. For that reason, Asian pears cannot successfully be grown in a tropical climate. Some varieties will fruit as far south as zone 8, while others will fruit in zone 9. Choose a variety that is known for performing well in your zone.

Asian pears bloom earlier in spring than European pears, which means flower buds can be lost to a cold snap. Don't plant your tree at the bottom of a hill where cold air can drain and create a frost pocket.

Fertilizer

It's always best to have your soil tested before applying fertilizer so that you can provide the correct balance of nutrients. If you have fertile soil, a layer of compost and mulch could provide all the nutrients your tree needs. You can feed your pear trees with a fertilizer such as Ferti-lome Fruit, Citrus, and Pecan Tree Food, but in some cases this may add too much nitrogen to your soil, encouraging leafy green growth at the expense of flowers. Add fertilizer once a year in early spring.

Types Of Asian Pear Trees

Fall is a great time to plant Asian pears. Look for pear trees at your local nursery, or order online from Just Fruits and Exotics, Petals From the Past, and Stark Bros. The size of your pear tree will vary based on whether it is grafted to standard (at least 20 feet tall), semi-dwarf (12-15 feet tall), or dwarf (10 feet tall) rootstock. Many trees that are labeled as dwarf are actually semi-dwarf, so read the fine print. Here are a few popular disease-resistant varieties for growing in the South:

• 'Shinko': Brown, medium-to-large fruit ripens from late July to mid-August, high fire blight resistance
• 'Korean Giant': Brownish olive green fruit is large to very large, can weigh up to a pound, ripens from late August to mid- to late-September, high fire blight resistance
• 'Ya Li': Classic yellow-green pear color, ripens in September, moderate fire blight resistance, low chill requirement makes it a good option for farther south
• 'Chojuro': Golden-brown skin, notable for its butterscotch flavor, ripens in August, some fire blight resistance
  

Pruning

Depending on the rootstock, Asian pear trees can grow up to 30 feet tall. You can prune them in late winter with a light trim to keep them to a more manageable size. They also can be trained as espaliers against walls or onto wire trellises. Expect to prune your tree every year while it is dormant for good vigor and fruiting.

Start by removing broken, diseased, weak, and narrow-angled branches. Using sharp, sterile pruners, make downward-slanting cuts about 1/4 inch from the trunk. It's usually best to give pear trees one central leader or upright stem that is allowed to continue growing up and develop into a trunk. Make sure branches have at least 2 feet of vertical space between them. As you choose which branches to leave on the tree, favor those growing more horizontally than vertically.

If the tree is overburned from a heavy crop, you can thin the fruit when it's between the size of a nickel and a quarter. The pears can be left in clusters of two and spaced 4-6 inches apart. Unlike soft European pears, firm Asian ones should be left on the tree to ripen before picking. You'll know when the mature color develops and a few start to fall from the tree. Fruit can last three to four months if stored in the crisper of the refrigerator.

Propagating Asian Pears

Asian pear trees are grafted to the rootstock of another species to control the size of the tree and improve disease and pest resistance. Grafting also impacts the tree's cold hardiness and ability to tolerate various soil types. For these reasons, it's best to buy your Asian pear tree from a commercial grower.

Potting And Repotting Asian Pears

A dwarf tree can be grown in a large container with drainage holes. Look for a pot that is at least 18 inches wide and slightly wider than the tree's existing pot.

Plant the tree at the same level as its nursery pot. Use a potting mix formulated for fruit trees, or a high-quality potting mix with some compost mixed. Loosen or cut any circling roots before planting to prevent girdling. Fill around the tree with soil, then add a layer of mulch to preserve moisture. Young trees should be staked.

Potted trees will need more frequent watering and fertilizing, especially in summer. Repot your tree once it has outgrown its container or about every three years. Potted trees also are more susceptible to frost damage in winter. If you live in Zone 5 or 6, the tree will need to be protected from cold temperatures.

Overwintering

Asian pear trees go dormant over the winter. This is the time to do any necessary pruning. Protect young trees from cold by wrapping the trunk with a tree wrap or tree guard. Add a layer of mulch at the base of the tree, being careful to not place it against the trunk. Potted trees can be carted to a more protected space like an unheated garage in winter. Don't bring the container into a heated space, as the tree needs to go dormant each year.

Common Pests and Plant Diseases

Most Asian pear trees are at least somewhat susceptible to fire blight. Bacteria infect the tree during warm weather by entering through wounds on the tree. Entry points can be created by wind damage, hail, pruning, or insects. Symptoms include weeping from cankers in the bark, scorched-looking leaves and shoots, and dark and shriveled fruit. If the infection is in the trunk, the tree will eventually die.

In the South, choosing fire-blight-resistant varieties for your garden is the best course of action. Prune diseased twigs and branches of an infected tree in late winter, cutting 4-8 inches beyond affected areas. Sterilize pruning tools with a 10% bleach solution between each cut. In spring, don't use a high-nitrogen fertilizer or water the tree. This will reduce the amount of new growth, which is most susceptible to the bacteria.

Leaf spot can appear as small purplish-brown spots on leaves and fruit. Remove and dispose of them in the trash, not the compost pile. Fungicides are not always effective, so contact your local extension office for advice if you are concerned.

Pear trees don't usually have serious insect problems or require spraying. Pear slugs and other large insects like Japanese beetles can be picked off by hand and dropped in a can of soapy water. The pear psylla is an orangey-brown, winged, jumping insect that feeds on sap, leaving a residue that can cause sooty mold. Control with insecticidal soap. Soft-bodied aphids that collect on the underside of leaves can be sprayed off with a strong stream of water or controlled with insecticidal soap. Problematic caterpillar infestations can be sprayed with Bt.

Deer and rodents may want to nibble on the tree. Tree guards and cages can help prevent damage to the bark of young trees.

How To Get Asian Pears To Bloom

If your tree isn't blooming, sun exposure or the health of the tree could be the issue. A late frost can also kill flower buds, so weather may be the culprit. The tree must have adequate chill hours, and a mild winter could affect flowering. Asian pear trees can take two or three years to settle in after planting to produce the first harvest.

Annual pruning in winter helps to encourage blooms. Increase light exposure if needed, and take steps to improve your tree's health if it isn't thriving. Avoid high nitrogen fertilizers in the future, unless soil testing indicates it is needed.

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Common Problems With Asian Pears

The thin bark of young pear trees can sometimes be affected by sunscald. With very intense sun exposure, the bark can split, allowing diseases to enter. Wrapping the trunk of a young tree with white cloth or a white tree guard will protect it.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What trees are compatible for cross-pollination with Asian pears?

  Asian pear trees need to be planted near other varieties of Asian pears for cross-pollination. Self-fertile varieties will yield a larger crop if planted near other Asian pears. European and Asian pear trees, such as Bartlett and Chojuro, can cross-pollinate if they bloom at the same time.

• How long do Asian pear trees live?

  Asian pear trees can live for many years. They can live and produce fruit for 50 years or more with proper care and ideal growing conditions.

• Are Asian pear trees invasive?

  The Asian pear (Pyrus pyrifolia) is not considered invasive. A related Asian import known as the Bradford pear or Callery pear (Pyrus calleryana) can be invasive, but is distinguished by its foul-smelling flowers and small, inedible fruits.

When you learn how to grow Asian pears, you&#;ll be forgiven for thinking you are growing an exotic hybrid of two fruits. The nashi or apple pear, as it is known, is as succulent and crunchy as an apple, with a delicate, perfumed and unmistakably &#;pear&#; quality. But the affectionately named &#;papple&#; is all pear &#; and the way it fits generously into the palm of the hand is a sign of heft and quality. Firm and crispy, mild and sweet, these pears (Pyrus pyrifolia) are amongst the most sizable, high-yielding fruit trees you can grow in your backyard or kitchen garden. 

Said to be the oldest pear ever grown, nashi were enjoyed thousands of years ago as an edible treat for nobility. But while once the domain of a select few, the sand pear or zodiac pear is now catching on with more home growers. You don&#;t need large spaces or special soils: just sunshine, water, and proper care. Growing Asian pears gives a delicious source of vitamins, minerals, fibers and antioxidants. Packed with vitamins C and K, potassium, copper and manganese, these sublime fruits will foster strong tissues and bone health, plus an improved immune system.  

As with all the best fruit trees, Asian pears are versatile in terms of planting and enjoying. Perfect as standalone tree specimens or as part of a mini orchard, they complement sweet and savory recipes. Oozing with honeyed juices when sampled fresh from the branches, the fruits also work well in exotic salads, sauces, pies, wraps, desserts, risottos, cheese dishes and cakes. So, sink your teeth into nashi and find out how rewarding it is to grow these intriguing aromatic marvels. 

They look like big apples but nashi fruits are genuine full pears

(Image credit: Mercury Studio / Shutterstock)

Ideal conditions for growing Asian pears

Deciding where to grow Asian pears is easier when you consider their native climates. Combining warmth and good airflow is key to cultivating the most luscious and well-honed fruits. Nashi pears fare best when grown in full sunshine for at least half the day, and thrive in USDA zones 5-9. 

&#;Asian pears thrive in full sun, so select a location that receives at least six-eight hours of direct sunlight per day,&#; says landscape designer Ward Dilmore, co-founder of Petrus. &#;This way, the tree can produce ample fruit in the growing season.&#; As well as making nashi trees a priority in Japanese garden ideas, Asian pears do well in south-facing garden ideas and spots where you catch a lot of west-facing sun.  

Ranging in size from 15-40ft tall, depending on variety, you need to give some thought to where your tree will establish, and ensure that any spot allows for both eventual height, and nearby shrubs and trees. As well as sunshine, adequate airflow is essential for healthy foliage, flowers and fruits. Planting temperatures in the region of 50-75ºF are most effective. You also need a fairly neutral pH for the best growing conditions. &#;Asian pears thrive best in soils with a pH of 6-7; says Fast Growing Trees&#; plant expert Sydni D&#;Amico. &#;Test soil types before planting to ensure it is within this range.&#; It&#;s also wise to ensure any planting site is well draining and moist. While established trees are drought-tolerant, young trees need good water access. If you aren&#;t sure, check soil types and adapt accordingly. 

The breed you select will also have some bearing on how healthy and prolific your Asian pear fruits are. &#;Choose one that is well suited to your climate and preferences,&#; says Ward. &#;Popular varieties include &#;Hosui&#;, &#;Shinko&#; and &#;Shinseiki&#;, and there are many varieties which are disease-resistant,&#; he adds. Other great varieties include early-fruiting dwarf &#;Chojuro&#; and abundant &#;Nijisseiki.&#; Grow from pot-based or bare-root plants sourced from garden centers and mail-order suppliers like those here:

Sydni D&#;Amico

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Plant Expert

Sydni graduated from Texas State University with a degree in Geography Resources & Environmental Science and a minor in Horticulture. She has worked within various horticulture fields, including organic composting, organic gardening, fine-gardening, and landscape design. Her love for horticulture began at a young age, gaining experience from her father&#;s garden. She now shares her passions and skills at Fast Growing Trees.

Ward Dilmore

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Landscape Designer

Ward Dilmore is a landscape designer and founder of Petrus Landscape in the Bay Area of San Francisco. With an unconventional blend of horticulture expertise and international relations background, Ward brings innovation and sustainable creativity to his designs. His commitment to merging beauty with eco-conscious practices help to carve a path of bold, fresh perspectives in the world of landscaping.

Asian pears need plenty of sunshine and good airflow around trees

(Image credit: Ditlevson / Shutterstock)

When and how to grow Asian pears

Deciding when you grow Asian pears isn&#;t too tricky if you have given due consideration to native conditions. Avoiding any risk of frost, the best times to grow bare root and pot on container-based trees are in late fall and early spring. Once you know when to plant fruit trees, the critical points in the calendar are April (for flowering) and August (for fruiting). 

One of the most critical aspects to planting, aside from temperature and soil base, is the question of pollination. &#;Some varieties are self-fertile,&#; says Sydni D&#;Amico. Certain varieties like &#;Shinseiki&#; are able to fruit in isolation. &#;However, you get better quality and higher yields of fruit when you plant two or more trees together,&#; she notes. 

Anyone who understands the benefits of planning a garden for pollinators will understand why this is important. In this case, you have a couple of options when growing Asian pears, says Homes & Gardens fruit expert Lucy Chamberlain. &#;Planting two or more nashi varieties in close proximity boosts yield&#;, says Lucy. &#;Alternatively, plant a single late-blooming nashi close to an early-flowering pear tree: the two will happily pollinate each other.&#; 

Just check any combinations are compatible and will flower at the same time. Given the eventual size of full-grown Asian pear trees, Ward Dilmore recommends that you plant your nashi trees 15-20ft apart to allow for optimum air circulation and growth. &#;Giving your pears a chance to cross-pollinate will result in increased vigor,&#; says Lucy.  

Lucy Chamberlain

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Fruit & Vegetable Expert

Lucy was a Horticultural Advisor at RHS Wisley and has been Head Gardener on a 100-acre estate in England for many years, but writes regularly for titles such as The Garden, Gardeners&#; World, The Guardian and Amateur Gardening. She&#;s also the author of RHS Step by Step Veg Patch, which covers 50 types of fruit and veg. 

Though many varieties are self pollinating, asian pears are more prolific if you grow more than one

(Image credit: H Mark Weidman Photography / Alamy)

How to plant Asian pears

One of the first things to understand when learning how to grow Asian pears is the benefit of giving the ground a little boost prior to planting. It doesn&#;t have to be intensively nutrient-rich but, as Ward Dilmore points out, preparing garden soil helps to make sure the earth is workable and not waterlogged (hence why planting in the fall or spring is best). 

Extricate any rocks or large debris, and ensure the site is free of weeds. If you are not happy with soil pH, adjust this a couple of months prior to growing Asian pears. You can also add a little organic matter to the earth in the form of aged loam or similar. Then follow these steps: 

• Dig a planting hole as deep as the tree root ball and double the width. You want the tree to have plenty of opportunity for root development, but you also want the base and trunk of the tree kept free from soil.
• Loosen the roots and soak in a bucket or similar for a couple of hours before planting. Remove any broken or damaged roots. Place in the planting hole and check the base is level with the earth&#;s surface.
• Fill with a good blend of soil and aged compost. Moisten the earth before adding the top layer of soil. Continue to fill, and check the soil level is consistent. Tamp the ground to eradicate any air pockets.
• Give your newly planted tree a good watering. While established Asian pears are great for drought tolerant planting, you will need to keep the earth moist during the first weeks and months after planting.
• Add a mulching around the base of your tree, avoiding the trunk itself. It&#;s also wise to support young trees with a stake secured a few feet into the ground, taking care not to damage the root system.
• Repeat for every Asian pear tree you wish to plant. Make sure when planting that you give ample space (15-20ft) around each tree.

Planting in rich organic matter with strong early support give the healthiest branching and fullest foliage

(Image credit: JT Hsiao / Alamy)

Problems growing Asian pears and how to tackle them

You won&#;t have to worry about too many pests and diseases once you know how to grow Asian pears. There are only a few things to be wary of and to watch out for. As Ward Dilmore indicates, the main issues for nashi trees are aphids, pear slugs and fire blight. 

&#;Regularly inspect trees for signs of pests and diseases, so you can respond early and effectively,&#; says Ward. Brownish areas on leaves are a sign of pear slugs &#; knowing some of the main slug control methods can keep this issue in check. A key sign of aphid infestation is a sticky honeydew on the foliage. You can get rid of aphids with biological controls and natural predators. One way to decimate numbers is by encouraging ladybugs and lacewings, which feed on aphids. You can also target aphids with short bursts of water on leaves or by spraying with mild soap or horticultural oil. 

Fire blight tends to cause the most concern to Asian pears. As a bacterial disease, it announces its presence with blackened shoots and tips and a burned appearance to foliage. Prevention relies on making sure flowers aren&#;t vulnerable to prolonged bouts of wet or humid weather. 

&#;Choosing disease-resistant varieties (like Chojuo and Shinko) can also reduce the risk of infections,&#; says Ward. Left untreated, fire blight is fatal to Asian pears. Caught early, you can contain its spread with immediate pruning below infected sites. &#;Neem oil and horticultural oil are great options for organic sprays and control pests and diseases effectively,&#; says Ward.  

Birds and wasps will also be drawn to ripening fruits. Try a protective netting or mesh to keep winged visitors from feasting on your nashi. Just make sure any net is well secured and taut, using a cage or frame, so birds don&#;t get trapped. A protective fence around your Asian pears can also help to keep hungry moose and deer at bay.

Harvest nashi when full, firm and heavy

(Image credit: Mercury Studio / Shutterstock)

FAQs

Can you grow Asian pears from seeds?

If you are a fan of collecting seeds from cropping shrubs and trees with a view to propagating future fruits, it is possible to grow Asian pears this way. However, any possible plants (and fruits) will not grow true, which means they won&#;t be exactly like their parent trees. It is generally more reliable (and quicker) to grow Asian pears from cuttings or grafting (as above). 

That said, seed-based growing can be done. Just remember to refrigerate seeds for a few weeks first to nudge along the stratification process. Sow in pots with a light compost and sand mix. Young pear plants will likely take four or five years before they start to fruit.

If you have missed your planting window for starting Asian pears in the ground, you can also develop younger trees as part of container gardening groupings. If you do want to know how to grow Asian pears this way, bear in mind the essentials. Find the deepest pot, choose a good-quality compost, make sure the pot has drainage holes, and keep well hydrated. 

Select a smaller variety (like &#;Chojuro&#; or &#;Shinseiki&#;). Prune to keep your potted Asian pear at the six-foot mark, and thin to ensure good airflow. And don&#;t grow Asian pears in containers for more than a few years. Eventually, they need ground-based growing for the strongest roots, vigorous foliage and most mouth-watering fruits.  

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