The Nashi pear—often called the “apple pear”—is still a bit of a hidden gem in many neighborhoods. However, more and more home gardeners are discovering just how delicious these crunchy, juicy fruits are and are starting to plant them right in their own backyards. If you keep a few simple requirements in mind, you’ll be harvesting your own homegrown Nashis before you know it!
Ways to Grow Your Nashi
Nashi pears are incredibly versatile. They look fantastic when trained as espaliers against a fence or trellis, but they also hold their own as a beautiful standalone specimen tree. If you’re short on space, don’t worry! Dwarf varieties do great in large pots or containers, making them a perfect choice for adding some greenery to your balcony or patio.
Finding the Perfect Spot
Generally speaking, Nashi pears are pretty low-maintenance and easygoing. That said, they’ll really thrive if you give them the right “home base.” Ideally, your Nashi pear is looking for:
- A sunny spot
- A bit of protection from the elements
- Loose, well-draining soil
Sun and Shelter
You’ll want to plant your Nashi pear somewhere warm and sunny. It’s also a good idea to pick a slightly sheltered location. Placing your tree near a larger tree, a wall, or a building can help protect it from heavy downpours and harsh drafts.
Loose, Well-Draining Soil
The soil should be nice and airy. You definitely want to avoid “wet feet” (standing water), which can lead to root rot and other nasty issues. If your garden soil is heavy or clay-like, just mix in a little gravel or sand to help improve the drainage.
Nashis are Winter Hardy
Good news for those of us in cooler climates: Nashis are quite hardy! They can easily handle temperatures dropping down to -4°F (-20°C). If you’re expecting a particularly brutal or snowy winter, you can lay down a protective layer of mulch around the base of the tree. This doesn’t just protect against frost; it also helps keep moisture levels steady and provides a nice nutrient boost for the soil.
When to Plant
The best time to get your Nashi in the ground is early summer. These trees are fast growers, so planting them then gives them plenty of time to establish a strong root system before the fall and winter chill sets in.
Give Them Some Elbow Room
When planting, make sure to give your Nashis enough space to breathe—both from other garden plants and other Nashi trees. This ensures every plant has the room it needs to grow without competing for resources. If you’re planting them along a trellis or espalier, aim for a spacing of about 5 to 6.5 feet between each tree.
