Asian pear

Profile

Family

Rosaceae

Habit

Tree

Height

10 m

Spread

8 m

Growth

medium

Lifespan

50 years

First yield

after 5 years

Hardiness

zone 6–9

Shade tolerance

partial shade

Soil

Sand, Silt, Loam, Clay

Soil moisture

semi-dry – very moist

pH

6 – 7.5

Synonyms

Nashi, Nashibaum, Nashibirne, Nashibirnbaum

Flowering & harvest

Times apply to the northern hemisphere in a temperate climate and shift with altitude and cultivar.

Uses

Edible: Frucht – roh oder gekocht. Knackig, saftig und mit feinem Geschmack. Die Frucht enthält etwa 6 – 9,5 % Zucker und bis zu 0,56 % Fruchtsäure.

Medicinal: Antiseptic, astringent, fever-reducing, nervine, pectoral.

Growing

Prefers well-draining loamy soil in full sun. Thrives in heavy loam but can tolerate light shade, although fruit production may be lower. Tolerant of air pollution, excessive moisture, and various soil types as long as they are moderately fertile. Established plants are drought-resistant. Hardy to at least -15°C. Cultivated in China and Japan for its edible fruits, with numerous named varieties. A hybrid of this plant and P. communis is more suitable for warmer climates.

Propagation

Sow seeds in a cold frame as soon as they mature in autumn for germination in mid to late winter. Stored seeds require 8-10 weeks of cold stratification at 1°C and should be sown early in the year. Temperatures above 15-20°C induce a secondary dormancy in the seeds. Transplant seedlings into individual pots once they are large enough and grow them in semi-shade in a cold frame or greenhouse during the first year. Plant them out in late spring or early summer of the following year. Pear seeds typically do not reproduce true to the parent variety.

Notable

Besonderheiten: dürre+schadstofftolerant; Veredelung oft auf Quitte +Aroma Birnen (spez. Sorten) s

Origin & habitat

A cultivated variety of P. pyrifolia.

Dry grassy areas and scrub, typically found on calcareous soils.

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