[Arid_gardener] Asian Pears

[Debora moritz]

>To: <Arid_gardener at CALS.arizona.edu>
>Subject: [Arid_gardener] Asian Pears
>Date: Thu, 7 Jun 2007 12:47:50 -0700
>
>Is there an Asian pear which will grow well in Chandler AZ. If so what are
>they, growing tips, and sources?
>Doodle


Doodle,

There are a great many varieties of Asian pears.  Here in the low desert you 
need to be aware of chilling requirements and pollination requirements.  
(Then, too, you may have specific taste requirements that should be 
considered.)
I have a Shinseiki - a self-pollenizer, requires 350-450 chill hours, fast 
grower and heavy bearing - fruit is typically ready by late June.  Fruits 
are somewhat smaller than what you find in the grocery stores.  It is in 
full sun, gets fertilizer at spring bud break and is watered on the citrus 
schedule.
I also have a new Ishiwase/ Kikusui grafted on the same root stock.  They 
pollinate one another and have about a 450 chill hour requirement.  The 
valley average is 300-400 hours so I know I'm pushing it with these 
varieties but my yard tends to "run cold" in the winter so I'm hoping it 
averages enough chill.
I've seen Chojoro and Yakumo at the nurseries but I don't know how they 
perform.

Debora