Asian Pear

Asian Pears are reliably self-fertile in most of the United States. This means that your tree will produce fruit even if there are not neighboring fruit trees around to cross-pollinate it.

Asian Pears thrive in full sun, requiring at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight per day for optimal growth and fruit production. Placing them in a location with ample sunlight exposure ensures vigorous growth, abundant flowering, and the development of flavorful fruits. They can tolerate some shade, especially in hot climates, but reduced sunlight may lead to decreased fruit yield.

Asian Pears generally prefer well-drained soil and moderate moisture levels. Water until the soil is saturated and water comes out of the drainage holes. Allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings helps to prevent issues with root-rot. Let the container dry until the soil is dry to the touch 1-2 inches down and the container is lighter in weight. A plant that has wilted can be receiving either too much or too little water. A good way to test if your plant needs water is to stick your finger 3 inches down into the soil. If you don't feel much moisture, it's time to water. If your finger comes out damp, best to give it some more time before watering.

Fertilize your potted Asian Pear tree in early spring, just as new growth begins. For most potted fruit trees, a once-a-year application of fertilizer in early spring is usually sufficient. However, if your tree shows signs of nutrient deficiency or slow growth, you may consider dividing the total annual fertilizer dose into multiple smaller applications throughout the growing season.

Chill hours are the time that many fruit plants need between the temperatures of 32°F and 45°F over the course of a year in order to produce fruit. Asian Pears need between 300 and 400 chill hours to produce a good harvest of fruit. As this is a tricky element to track, we suggest referring to the Shrubb Simple map to understand if your area is likely to have enough chill hours for this plant.

Asian pears are usually ready for harvest in late summer to early fall, typically around August to September, depending on the specific climate and growing conditions in your area. Determine the ripeness of the pears by looking for a change in color from green to yellowish-green or yellow. Shinseiki pears are usually harvested when they are still firm but have developed their characteristic yellowish hue. Gently press your thumb near the stem end of the pear. It should yield slightly to pressure but still feel firm. To harvest the pears, gently twist and lift them upward from the tree.

As asian pears ripen off of the tree, you will harvest them before they are ready to eat, and store them until they are ripe. Handle the harvested pears with care to prevent bruising or injury. Store harvested Asian pears in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. They can be stored at room temperature for a few days to ripen further or refrigerated for longer-term storage. However, refrigerated pears may lose some of their crispness over time.

Prune Asian pear trees during the dormant season in late winter to early spring before new growth begins. Remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches first, then thin out crowded branches to improve air circulation and sunlight penetration. Prune to maintain an open center and a balanced shape, focusing on removing crossing or inward-growing branches. Avoid heavy pruning, as Asian pear trees bear fruit on spurs, and excessive pruning can reduce fruiting potential.

Pests and disease often vary greatly by region. In terms of insects, neem oil can combat many problems. If you are unsure, send us a photo of your plant and the problem, and we'll do our best to identify it and suggest more specific solutions!