How to Grow Asian Pears

Introduction to Asian Pears

Asian pears (Pyrus pyrifolia and hybrids) are crisp, juicy fruits that ripen on the tree—unlike European pears. Sometimes called "apple pears" for their round shape and crisp texture, they offer a refreshing sweetness perfect for fresh eating.

Popular Varieties

Round/Apple-Shaped:

• Hosui: Golden brown, very sweet, juicy. Excellent flavor. Mid-season.
• Shinseiki: Yellow-green, mild sweet flavor. Good keeper. Early.
• Nijisseiki (20th Century): Yellow-green, crisp, juicy. Disease susceptible. Mid-season.
• Korean Giant (Olympic): Very large, greenish-yellow. Sweet and crisp. Late.
• Chojuro: Bronze-brown, butterscotch flavor. Stores well. Mid-season.

Pear-Shaped:

• Ya Li: Green, mild flavor. Good for cooking and fresh. Late.
• Tsu Li: Tart when picked, sweetens in storage. Late.

Climate and Hardiness

• Zones: 5-9
• Chill Hours: 300-600 hours (less than European pears)
• Late Frosts: Bloom early—protect in Zone 5-6
• Heat: Tolerates heat better than European pears

Site Selection

• Sunlight: Full sun (6-8 hours)
• Soil: Well-draining loam preferred; tolerates various soils
• pH: 6.0-7.0
• Drainage: Good drainage essential—avoid wet sites
• Space: Semi-dwarf: 12-15 ft. Standard: 15-20 ft.

Pollination

Most Asian pears require cross-pollination.

• Best Pollinators: Another Asian pear variety with overlapping bloom time
• Cross-Compatible: European pears can pollinate Asian pears if bloom times match
• Partial Self-Fertility: Shinseiki, 20th Century have some self-fertility

Planting

1. Plant in early spring or fall.
2. Dig hole 2x wider than roots, same depth as nursery.
3. Graft union 2-3 inches above soil.
4. Water deeply and mulch 3-4 inches.
5. Stake if in windy location.

Training and Pruning

Training System:

Open center or modified central leader works best:

• Encourages light penetration for fruit quality
• Allows easier access for thinning
• Reduces disease pressure

Pruning:

• When: Late winter while dormant
• Remove: Water sprouts, crossing branches, dead wood
• Heading Cuts: Minimal—causes excessive branching
• Spur Thinning: Remove 1/3 of spurs when too dense

Fertilizing

• Young Trees: Minimal nitrogen first 2-3 years
• Bearing Trees: 0.1 lb actual N per year of age, up to 0.5 lb max
• Avoid: Excess nitrogen promotes fire blight susceptibility
• Timing: Early spring before bloom

Watering

• Critical Period: Fruit development (late spring-summer)
• Amount: 1-2 inches per week during fruit growth
• Avoid: Inconsistent watering causes fruit cracking

Thinning—Essential for Asian Pears

Asian pears set heavily and must be thinned for quality fruit.

Timing:

When fruits are marble to golf ball size (4-6 weeks after bloom)

How Much:

• Space fruits 4-6 inches apart
• 1 fruit per spur (remove all others)
• Remove 80-90% of fruit on young trees
• Thin to 50-70% of fruit on mature trees

Why Thin:

• Increases fruit size dramatically
• Improves flavor and sugar content
• Prevents limb breakage
• Reduces biennial bearing

Pest and Disease Management

Fire Blight:

Less susceptible than European pears but still a concern:

• Remove infections immediately
• Prune 12-18 inches below visible damage
• Sterilize tools between cuts
• Copper sprays at bloom

Pear Scab:

• 20th Century is very susceptible
• Fungicides if needed
• Clean up fallen leaves

Pests:

• Codling Moth: Traps and targeted sprays
• Pear Psylla: Dormant oil sprays
• Stink Bugs: Can cause dimpled fruit

Harvesting

Unlike European pears, Asian pears ripen on the tree.

Signs of Ripeness:

• Background color changes (variety-specific)
• Fruit is aromatic
• Seeds are dark brown
• Fruit tastes sweet when sampled

How to Harvest:

• Twist and lift—ripe fruit releases easily
• Handle gently—Asian pears bruise easily
• Harvest over several weeks as fruits ripen

Storage

• Refrigerator: 1-3 months at 32-35°F
• Room Temperature: 1-2 weeks
• Best Keepers: Chojuro, Korean Giant, Ya Li, Tsu Li