
The Asian Pear Tree.
Grown for the crisp juicy fruit, Nashi Pears are an Asian pear and and differ greatly from the familiar European types. All Nashis are cultivars of P. pyrifolia, P. ussuriensis or P x bretscheneideri. These are a low chill fruit tree, so it can be grown right through from Melbourne to Sydney and Brisbane. They are also self pollinating so you only need one tree to produce lots of fruit.
These are a medium sized fruit tree, most varieties reaching around 3 metres in height. Nashi pear season is in autumn, this is when they are freshly picked, although they are available in shops through to spring. Fruiting time does vary from the early types such as Choju and Shinsui, which will be ready to pick in January.
Late maturing varieties include Tsu Li, Shen Li and Okusankichi. Different varieties have different keeping qualities and ripening times so talk to the supplier before purchasing.
Nashi Pear Varieties
A number of varieties are grown both in the home garden and commercially, popular varieties include :
- Nijisseiki – A chance seedling of P. pyrifolia. Rounded green skinned fruit, heavy cropping with fruit smallish in size. Excellent eating.
- Kosui – A P. pyrifolia cultivator with golden yellow to brown fruit. Mis season harvest.
- Ya Li – This is a P. bretschneideri cultivar. The fruit is more ‘pear shaped’ than many. And a late harvest variety
- Hosui – A P.pyrifolia hybrid. Rounded golden brown skinned fruit. Harvest is mid season.
- Okusankichi is one of the largest fruiting varieties, late to fruit, but long lasting, with a brown skin.
Other varieties include – Shinsui, Chojuro, Tsu Li, Dan Bae, Hakko, Hosui, Shinsetsu, Hwa Hong, Niitaka, Shinsei, Bong Ri, Choju, Haeng Soo, Shin Soo, Shin Go, Kikusui, Yakumo, Shinseiki, Shinko and Shen Li.
How to Grow Nashi Pears – Basic Care
This is versatile fruit tree, the Nashi can be grown in similar conditions to pears. Most require a pollinator.
Choose a sunny position with a humus rich well drained soil.
- Weed and dig over the soil to an area about twice the size of the pot, or root ball.
- Prepare the soil by digging in some well rotted compost, cow manure and some blood and bone.
- Remove the tree from the container and carefully prune off any damaged roots.
- Ensure that the graft is above the soil level.
- Backfill and water in with a liquid seaweed fertiliser.
- Water regularly though the first few summers.
- Nashi pears, are suited to espalier growing
Pruning
Nashi Pears are best pruned in late winter. The idea is to keep the tree a reasonable size, improve fruiting and maintain a sound tree structure.
some summer pruning may be required. This involves the removal of any water shoots as well as thinning fruit if needed.
Pests include.
- Codling Moth
- Mites
- Pear and cherry slug
Nashi Fruit Trees are available for sale from the following growers and nurseries
55 McDougal Rd Neerim South Victoria 3831 PH: (03) 56281507
Advanced ornamental trees and garden designs and concept plans. Direct to your property combined with specialist knowledge and outstanding service.
www.blericktreefarm.com.au
470 Monbulk-Silvan Road Monbulk VIC 3793
"Guaranteed mail order flowering bulbs, perennials, roses, trees, landscaping plants, garden accessories and community fundraising Austra lia-wide."
www.gardenexpress.com.au