Shinseiki Asian Pear

The Shinseiki Asian pear (Pyrus serotina ‘Shinseiki’) is a small tree only reaching 10-12 feet tall/wide, making for easy harvesting even on a mature tree. Growing in USDA zones 5-9, this tree is cold tolerant and requires less than 300 chill hours so it produces well even in warm southern climates. This firm pear stores well, has a long shelf life, resembles granny smith apples in texture and flavor making them great for baking, salads, or eating fresh off of the tree. The Shinseiki pear is also self fertile, making it an excellent addition to a landscape or orchard as it needs no cross pollinator for fruit to form. One small tree will provide you with years of delicious treats!

Location: Give your pear tree a location that features full sun and well-draining soil. Choose a bright, sheltered location, preferably with southern exposure.

Planting Instructions (in ground):
1) Dig a hole three times the size and just as deep as the root ball. You want to be careful that the tree does not settle too low in the soil.
2) After the hole is dug, carefully loosen and unwind any roots as necessary.
3) Plant the tree so that the roots are spread in the hole and the entire root ball is covered with soil.
4) Fill in the hole completely and gently remove air pockets that may have formed by tamping down with a spade.
5) Water the tree thoroughly after the tree has been planted.

Watering: Water your pear tree as necessary giving it at least 1-2 inches of water, once a week. When the weather gets hot and dry during the peak of summer, increase the amount of water to maintain proper hydration and moisture. Do not water the pear tree after the first frost in the fall. You should resume watering once the last frost has past. Mulching is always a great idea to conserve soil moisture as well as combat competing growth.

Pruning: When pruning, it’s important to trim the pear tree’s central leader to promote an upright position. If there are any competing branches present, remove them so that multiple leaders do not form. Maintain the tree’s natural shape by pruning large, lateral branches. Dead, dying or wilted branches should always be removed to help the pear tree focus its energy on growing healthy and producing an abundance of fruit.

*Tip* It’s always good to sterilize your cutting tool(s) with rubbing alcohol to ensure a clean cut that no pathogens can get in.

Pests: Pear trees are susceptible to insects such as maggots, moths, scale and aphids. To prevent infestation of these and other pests, treat with an insecticide in the early spring. Signs of infestation to be watchful for include: yellowing or browning of foliage, rotted or eaten fruit and nibbled leaves. Spray the tree with the insecticide according to the directions on the label.

Tips:
*Harvest pears at the end of the growing season (October-November). Watch the fruit regularly, as it will require two to three weeks to harden before harvest.
*Pick pears when they have reached full color and size and are firm to the touch. Check the tree daily and pick fruit every two to three days until your harvest is complete.
*If applying an insecticide WAIT until evening when your pollinators will not be active on the tree. Bees are fastly becoming scarce, avoid harming them with insecticides by waiting until after they have all gone for the day.