How To Grow And Care For Asian Pear Trees

How To Grow And Care For Asian Pear Trees

Asian pear trees, also known as sand pears or apple pears, are a popular choice for gardeners looking for fruit trees that offer delicious, crisp fruit. Originating in Asia, these trees are known for their hardiness and relatively low maintenance needs, making them a great addition to any garden.

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
Native Area: Asia
Toxicity: Seeds are toxic to pets, toxic to people

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Asian Pear Tree Care

Asian pear trees require a sunny location with deep, well-drained soil. While some varieties are self-pollinating, planting two or more different types will yield a larger harvest. It’s important to note that Asian and European pears bloom at different times, so they can't cross-pollinate. Fire blight is a concern for all pear trees, though Asian pears are somewhat more resistant. To manage this, choose fire blight-resistant varieties and schedule annual pruning.

Light

Ensure your tree is placed in a spot that receives at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. Be mindful of potential obstructions like large trees or buildings. Provide dwarf trees with at least six feet of spacing from other plants, while full-sized pears should have 12 to 15 feet.

Soil

Asian pears thrive in fertile, well-drained loamy soil but are adaptable to other soil types. Testing your soil with the local extension office before planting will ensure a pH level between 6.0 and 7.0. If your soil is too alkaline, amendments will be recommended. For heavy clay soils, mix one-third peat or coco fiber to improve drainage. Fertilize annually if soil fertility is low and avoid planting in areas where soil remains wet frequently.

Water

Consistent watering is key, especially when first planting. Generally, pear trees need about an inch of water weekly. Check soil moisture levels before watering, and water less frequently as trees become established, but increase watering during dry spells.

Temperature and Humidity

Asian pears are quite hardy and can survive southern winters. They require specific chill hours (hours below 45 degrees Fahrenheit) to bear fruit, making them unsuitable for tropical climates. Some varieties thrive in USDA zones 8 and 9; picking the right variety is essential for your zone.

Since Asian pears bloom earlier than European varieties, late spring frosts can damage buds. Avoid planting at the base of slopes where cold air can settle and create frost pockets.

Fertilizer

Soil testing before fertilizer application helps in providing an accurate nutrient balance. In fertile soils, compost and mulch may suffice. Commercial fertilizers like Ferti-lome Fruit, Citrus, and Pecan Tree Food can be used, but avoid excessive nitrogen which promotes leaf growth over flowers. Fertilize in early spring.

How to Grow Asian Pear Trees

Dig a hole slightly bigger than the rootball size. For bare-root dwarf trees, position the graft union 2 to 3 inches above soil level. Standard-size trees can have the graft union at or just below soil level. Potted trees should be planted at the same depth as in their nursery pots. Cut any circling roots to prevent girdling, then backfill the hole. Apply 3 to 4 inches of mulch around the base, avoiding direct contact with the trunk.

Types of Asian Pear Trees

Fall is ideal for planting Asian pears. Choose trees either from local nurseries or online suppliers like Just Fruits and Exotics. Tree size varies depending on whether they are grafted to standard (20 feet tall), semi-dwarf (12-15 feet tall), or dwarf (10 feet tall) rootstocks. Semi-dwarf varieties often marketed as dwarf require reading the fine print. Here are some popular disease-resistant varieties:

• 'Shinko': Brown medium-to-large fruit, ripens from late July to mid-August, high fire blight resistance
• 'Korean Giant': Large to very large olive-green fruit, ripens late August to mid-September, high fire blight resistance
• 'Ya Li': Classic yellow-green, ripens in September, moderate fire blight resistance, low chill requirement for southern climates
• 'Chojuro': Gold-brown skin with butterscotch flavor, ripens in August, some fire blight resistance

Pruning

Depending on rootstock, Asian pears can grow up to 30 feet. Prune in late winter to keep the tree manageable. Espalier training on walls or wire trellises is also possible. Dormant season pruning is crucial for vigor and fruit production.

Remove broken, diseased, weak branches using sharp, sterile pruners. Generally, it's advisable to maintain one central leader or trunk. Ensure branches are spaced 2 feet apart vertically and prefer horizontal growth over vertical.

If dealing with heavy crops, thin fruit to clusters of two when they are the size of a nickel or quarter, spacing clusters 4-6 inches apart. Unlike soft European pears, Asian pears should ripen on the tree. Harvest when mature color appears, and a few fruits naturally detach. Store them in the refrigerator to last three to four months.

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Propagating Asian Pears

Asian pears are often grafted to other species' rootstocks to control tree size and improve disease and pest resistance. Grafting also enhances cold hardiness and soil adaptability. For these reasons, it's recommended to purchase your tree from reputable commercial growers.

Overwintering

Asian pear trees go dormant in winter, making it the perfect time to prune. Protect young trees from cold using tree wrap or guards and add mulch around the base, ensuring it doesn't touch the trunk.

Common Pests & Plant Diseases

Fire blight is a common issue for Asian pears. Bacteria enter through wounds in warm weather, causing cankers, scorched leaves, and dark, shriveled fruit. If untreated, the tree may die. Choose fire blight-resistant varieties, prune in late winter, and avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers in spring.

Leaf spot can cause purplish-brown spots on leaves and fruit. Dispose of affected parts in the trash. Fungicides might be ineffective, so consult your local extension office for guidance.

Asian pears typically have minimal insect problems. Hand-pick larger pests like Japanese beetles, and use insecticidal soap for pear psylla and aphids. Bt is effective against caterpillar infestations.

Deer and rodents may target the tree. Use tree guards and cages to protect young trees.

How to Get Asian Pears to Bloom

Lack of blooms can be due to insufficient sunlight, late frost, inadequate chill hours, or poor tree health. After planting, it may take two to three years for the tree to bear fruit. Pruning in winter promotes blooming, and adjusting light exposure and soil fertility can help.

Common Problems With Asian Pears

Young pear trees can suffer from sunscald, especially on thin bark. Protect trunks with white cloth or tree guards to prevent splits and disease entry.

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.

• When is the best time to plant an Asian pear tree?

  Plant your Asian pear tree in the spring in a sunny location with deep, well-drained soil. Avoid planting in summer when heat can stress a young plant and in fall when harsh winters can cause damage before the roots have had time to become established.

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