You will be surprised by the juicy, sweet flavor of this crisp fruit.
The crunchy fruit is wonderful when eaten fresh.
Chilling it before eating enhances the delicious flavor.
Credit:Douglas Sacha / Getty Images
you’ve got the option to also enjoy the texture in salads and stir fries.
Historically called “sand pears,” these trees can be found in gardens as far south as Florida.
Plant them in early spring or fall in a sunny location.
Asian pear tree seeds are toxic to people and pets, so double-check to toss the seeds before eating.
Don’t expect a European pear to pollinate an Asian pear if they bloom at different times.
Choose resistant selections if this is a problem in your area.
Plan toprune your pear treeannually for vigorous growth, good health, and a bountiful harvest.
Consider whether large trees or buildings will block the sun before you plant your tree.
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 soilsshould be amendedwith 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.
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.
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 wellin your zone.
Add fertilizer once a year in early spring.
Types Of Asian Pear Trees
Fall is a great time to plant Asian pears.
Many trees that are labeled as dwarf are actually semi-dwarf, so read the fine print.
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.
verify 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.
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 ifstored in the crisperof the refrigerator.
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.
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.
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 seriousinsect problemsor require spraying.
Control with insecticidal soap.
Problematic caterpillar infestations can be sprayed with Bt.
Deer and rodentsmay want to nibble on the tree.
Tree guards and cages can help prevent damage to the bark of young trees.
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 toencourage blooms.
Avoid high nitrogen fertilizers in the future, unless soil testing indicates it is needed.
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.
Self-fertile varieties will yield a larger crop if planted near other Asian pears.
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.
The Asian pear (Pyrus pyrifolia) is not considered invasive.
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.Public Health Statement for Cyanide.
American Kennel Club.Can Dogs Eat Pears?
