Crops › Asian Pear
How to grow Asian Pear
in the US
Sow March to November, plant out December, harvest July to October. About 900 days from seed to plate.
Shown for zone 6. Zone table further down.
Asian pears, now these are a proper treat, aren't they? Crisp and sweet, a bit like an apple but with that lovely pear flavor. They're a cracking addition to any backyard, a real long-term investment that gives back year after year.
Sowing
Right, so getting Asian pears going usually means planting a young tree, not sowing tiny seeds straight off, because they take a good long while to fruit, nearly three years sometimes. Best time for planting bare-root trees is when they're dormant, typically late fall after leaves drop, or in early spring before buds break, often around your last frost date. For potted trees, you've got more flexibility, but still aim for spring or fall. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep, making sure the graft union stays above the soil line. Give it plenty of room, usually about 15-20 feet (4.5-6 meters) between trees, depending on the variety and rootstock, for them to properly spread out.
Growing on
Once you've got your young tree in the ground, it's all about settling it in. Make sure it's got a sturdy stake for support in its first few years, especially if it's in a windy spot, that'll help it anchor down properly. Keep an eye on it, make sure the soil isn't drying out too much, particularly in hot weather. A good layer of mulch around the base, keeping it away from the trunk itself, helps hold moisture in and keeps those pesky weeds down.
Looking after it
Asian pears need consistent watering, especially as they get established and during dry spells, you know, a good soak once a week is often enough. Feed them with a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth appears, like you would for other fruit trees. Pruning is important too, to shape the tree and encourage good fruit production and airflow through the canopy, which helps keep disease at bay.
What goes wrong
To be honest, Asian pears are fairly robust, but you'll want to watch out for a few things. Aphids can sometimes cluster on new growth, but a good blast of water often sorts them out, or some insecticidal soap if it's really bad. Powdery mildew can be a bother too, especially in humid conditions, it leaves a white powdery coating on leaves. Make sure your trees have good air circulation to help prevent it.
Harvest
You'll know your Asian pears are ready for picking usually from August right through to October, depending on the variety. They should feel firm and heavy, and come away easily when you give them a gentle twist. Unlike European pears, Asian pears ripen on the tree, so pick them when they're fully flavored. Store them in a cool, dry place, or pop them in the refrigerator, and they'll keep for a good while.
If you're planting more than one tree, make sure they're different varieties that can pollinate each other, it makes a proper difference to your yield, trust me on that one.
Dates for your plot
Type your zone and the plant-out advice shifts to your frost dates.
Varieties, and whether the club would grow them again
| Variety | Club verdict |
|---|---|
| Shinseiki This Shinseiki variety is a reliable performer, giving you lovely round, crisp fruit. It's a great choice for folks new to growing Asian pears, providing a good, consistent crop. | No club votes yet |
| Nijisseiki (20th Century) The Nijisseiki, or 20th Century, is a classic Asian pear, known for its juicy, sweet taste. A really dependable variety, cracking for eating fresh right off the tree. | No club votes yet |
| Hosui Hosui is a well-regarded Asian pear, loved for its sweet, rich flavor and golden-brown skin. It's a proper winner for home gardeners looking for a delicious, high-quality fruit. | No club votes yet |
| Chojuro This Chojuro variety offers a distinct butterscotch flavor, which is a bit different and very pleasant. It's a good one for those who appreciate a unique taste and reliable production. | No club votes yet |
| Ya Li Ya Li is a classic Chinese pear, known for its more traditional pear shape and crisp, sweet flesh. It's a good choice for gardeners wanting an authentic, reliable Asian pear experience. | No club votes yet |
| Shinko The Shinko variety is a hardy and reliable producer, known for its sweet, slightly tart flavor and good storage qualities. A cracking option if you're looking for a pear that keeps well. | No club votes yet |
| Kosui Kosui is famed for its exceptional sweetness and juicy texture, making it a favorite for many. If you're after a truly delicious pear to eat fresh, this one's a top pick. | No club votes yet |
| Atago Atago is a larger Asian pear, offering a refreshing and mildly sweet flavor. It's a good variety if you're looking for bigger fruit and a reliable, late-season harvest. | No club votes yet |
| Ichiban Nashi Ichiban Nashi translates to "Number One Pear," and it lives up to its name with excellent flavor and good size. A proper all-rounder for any backyard orchard. | No club votes yet |
| Seuri Seuri is a robust variety, giving you consistently good yields of sweet, crisp pears. It's a solid, dependable choice that performs well in many climates. | No club votes yet |
| Olympic (Korean Giant) Olympic, also known as Korean Giant, produces impressively large fruit with a fantastic sweet flavor. If you're after a truly substantial and tasty pear, this is the one for you. | No club votes yet |
| Yoinashi Yoinashi offers a superb sweet and juicy flavor, with a lovely crunch that makes it very appealing. It's a cracking choice for those who prioritize taste and a good eating experience. | No club votes yet |
| Niitaka Niitaka is another large-fruited variety, known for its excellent crispness and sweet, mild flavor. It's a reliable choice if you're looking for a good harvest of sizable pears. | No club votes yet |
| Yujiro Yujiro provides a consistent crop of sweet and refreshing Asian pears. This variety is a good, dependable choice for gardeners wanting a straightforward and rewarding growing experience. | No club votes yet |
| Tsu Li Tsu Li is a traditional Chinese pear, often more elongated in shape with a crisp and juicy texture. It's a good one for those who appreciate heritage varieties and a distinctive fruit. | No club votes yet |
Votes are members rating varieties in their Seed Tin, one vote per gardener. Tap a variety for the full page and where to buy.
Buy Asian Pear seeds
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Sowing by USDA zone
| Zone | Sow / plant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 3 | April to May | August to September |
| Zone 4 | April to May | August to September |
| Zone 5 | March to May | August to October |
| Zone 6 | March to November | July to October |
| Zone 7 | March to November | July to October |
| Zone 8 | February to November | July to November |
| Zone 9 | February to December | June to November |
| Zone 10 | November to February | June to November |
Cook the harvest
A refined autumn tart with a buttery shortcrust shell, a creamy almond frangipane filling, and overlapping slices of Asian pear fanned across the top. The pear bakes up golden and tender while the frangipane stays rich and custardy underneath. It's an impressive bake that rewards the effort with exceptional flavor — the combination of pear and almond is a classic for good reason.
85 min · mediumCrisp Asian pear slices, candied walnuts, crumbled blue cheese, and arugula tossed in a honey-lemon vinaigrette — a salad with outstanding contrast in every bite. The pear's juicy crunch against the creamy tang of blue cheese and the sweet-bitter walnuts makes this far more than the sum of its parts. An ideal starter for an autumn dinner.
20 min · easyPeppery arugula and sweet, crunchy Asian pear are a natural pairing in this simple, elegant fall salad. Toasted walnuts add richness, shaved Pecorino brings a salty bite, and a white wine vinaigrette ties it all together. It's the kind of salad that looks impressive and takes less than fifteen minutes to assemble.
12 min · easyA boldly spiced Asian pear chutney with ginger, mustard seeds, and cider vinegar that strikes a perfect balance between sweet, sour, and heat. This chutney is one of the finest accompaniments to a cheese board, a pork chop, or cold roast meats. Asian pear's firm texture means it holds its shape beautifully in the long cook, giving you distinct pieces of fruit in the finished jar.
65 min · mediumWatch for, and grow alongside
Companions: nasturtium, chives, comfrey, white clover, yarrow, daffodils
Questions people ask
When do you sow Asian Pear in the US?
Sow Asian Pear from March to November in zone 6, earlier or later by zone. Plant out December, after the last frost.
How long does Asian Pear take from sowing to harvest?
Roughly 900 days, with the harvest July to October.
Which Asian Pear varieties do gardeners grow again?
Club members rate every variety they grow. This page shows the grow-again votes for Shinseiki, Nijisseiki (20th Century), Hosui, Chojuro and more.
Track your Asian Pear from packet to plate
Sowing reminders and harvest forecasts for your own frost dates, the Seed Tin, Scan Centre for any label or packet, and the Potty Mouth Garden Club. Free to start.
Allotment keeper in the North East of England, the voice behind the Tony C Smith YouTube channel, and the gardener who built GrowMore CookMore. Club numbers on this page update as members log their plots. Last updated 3 September 2026.