Nashi or Japanese pear: planting, harvest

Description and botany

The Nashi or nachi, more commonly called apple pear, sand pear or Asian pear, is a fruit tree belonging to the Rosaceae family, like the pear tree, almond tree, peach tree or apple tree. The nashi is a pear tree, although its almost round fruits resemble apples. It is derived from the wild pear species Pyrus pyrifolia. Native to Asia, mainly the medium-altitude mountains of Japan, South Korea, and China, it grows in temperate to subtropical climates between 100 and 1400 m altitude.

It is still rarely found in our orchards. The species was introduced and cultivated in France only from the 1980s onwards, particularly in the Landes and Aveyron regions, as the tree can only tolerate frosts down to -15°C. It is also found in Italy. Today, there are many cultivars resulting from cross-breeding with common pear varieties Pyrus communis, with varying skin, flavour and precocity. Most require cross-pollination by the common pear tree.

It forms a small tree not exceeding 5 m in height with a tall, slender silhouette, making it suitable for many gardens. From a tall trunk, the branches naturally spread out over time, making harvesting easier and improving the tree’s aeration. The branches are longer than those of the pear tree it resembles, arching beautifully. Its slightly weeping habit makes it a very beautiful specimen when planted alone.

The alternate leaves are single, ovate, finely dentate on the margins. They measure about 10 to 12 cm, and are slightly larger than those of the common pear tree. They are borne on a petiole almost as long as the lamina, which rustles at the slightest breeze. This deciduous foliage, shiny green, takes on beautiful yellow to red hues in autumn before falling.

The Nashi flowers late, in April, between the peach and pear trees, usually protecting it from frost. The flowers are typical of Rosaceae, remarkably decorative in spring. They consist of five white-pink petals with a bouquet of red stamens surrounding the pistil at the heart of the flower. Measuring 3 to 4 cm wide, they appear in clusters at the ends of the shoots and attract many pollinating insects. These flowers are not self-fertile, so another pear tree nearby is necessary for good fruiting. The William’s and Nashi Kosui varieties are known to be good pollinators for all varieties.

Pyrus pyrifolia: habit (© Puddin Tain), and flowering in April

The flowers are followed by the formation of apple-like fruits, hence its other name apple pear or pear-apple, “Nashi” meaning “pear” in Japanese. Numerous fruits, more or less globose and flattened, about 7 cm in diameter appear on one-year-old shoots. Nashis vary in size and colour depending on the variety. The fruit’s epidermis is more or less rough. The skin is bronzed, ochre-red or yellow in colour, speckled with white lenticels. Nashis resemble apples while having the texture of pears. These fleshy fruits reveal granular, crunchy and juicy flesh, particularly refreshing. Their flavour is a subtle blend of apple and pear, less sweet than that of classic pears and slightly acidic. When ripe, the fruits give off a sweet smell and remain as firm to the touch as an apple. Harvesting takes place from mid-August to October, depending on the variety and climate. It begins to produce 2 or 3 years after planting.

Young Nashi fruits (© Puddin Tain), and ripe fruits ready to pick

Main species and varieties

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Planting a Nashi

Where to Plant a Nashi Pear Tree?

Hardy down to -15-20°C when well-established, the Nashi pear tree tolerates winter cold very well and can adapt to all regions of France, including low-altitude areas. This fruit tree requires both cold and sunshine to bear fruit. Careful attention should be paid to its positioning—choose a sunny spot sheltered from prevailing winds. As it thrives in warmth, plant it in a location protected from cold winds, such as against a south-facing wall, especially north of the Loire.

The Japanese pear tree grows well in any good garden soil—rich, moist but without waterlogging, and well-drained. It prefers soils that are neither too dry nor too chalky. For optimal fruiting, it needs another variety of Nashi or a pear tree (pollinator) nearby. The Williams pear tree has a spreading flowering period, making it an effective pollinator for Nashi varieties.

It naturally fits into an orchard but can also be planted in ornamental gardens at the back of a border or as a standalone feature, thanks to its slender, slightly weeping habit and delicate flowering. Like the Apple tree and the pear tree, the Nashi can be grown as a free-standing tree or trained against a support.

When to Plant a Nashi Pear Tree?

Nashi pear trees are ideally planted in autumn between October and March, avoiding frost periods. If container-grown, they can be planted year-round, except during extreme heat or freezing conditions.

How to Plant It?

If planting multiple Nashi trees, space them at least 4 to 6 metres apart. The Nashi prefers moist but not waterlogged soil. If your soil retains water, improve drainage with gravel or compost. It has a clear preference for slightly acidic or neutral soil.

• Prepare the soil by removing stones and weeds
• Soak the root ball in a bucket of water for a few minutes before planting to rehydrate it
• Dig a hole about 60 cm wide and deep using a spade
• Add a layer of drainage material at the bottom, especially if your soil is heavy
• Place compost at the base of the hole
• Position the root ball and insert a stake
• Set the plant with the collar level with the soil surface
• Backfill with a mix of garden soil and compost, ensuring the root ball is fully covered
• Firm the soil around the base and water thoroughly to eliminate air pockets
• Secure the stake with an appropriate tie

Nashi pear fruit (© Luka rs)

Cultivation, care, and pruning of the nashi

Like many fruit-bearing trees, the nashi will require some attention. During the first years after planting and in periods of intense heat, keep the soil moist at the base of the tree with regular watering. Proper irrigation is essential for fruit production. Mulch around the base to retain moisture in summer.

Each year in early spring, apply well-rotted compost by lightly working it into the surface to maintain soil fertility. In winter, you can enrich the soil with a spadeful of wood ash, which is rich in potash, to improve fruiting.

If late frosts threaten a young plant, don’t hesitate to wrap it in several layers of horticultural fleece.

In July, when the nashi fruits are forming, thin them out to encourage larger fruit: keep only 1 to 2 fruits per cluster, selecting the largest ones.

How to Prune a Nashi Tree?

The nashi can be pruned in the same way as an apple tree, as pruning encourages new shoots. The tree bears fruit on one- to two-year-old wood, so pruning should favour young shoots.

Since it tolerates repeated formative pruning well, it can be espaliered against a sunny wall. In this case, carry out a summer pruning in early summer, shortening young shoots by two-thirds and leaving only 5 to 7 leaves beyond the fruit, while removing non-fruit-bearing branches.

If you are growing it as a free-standing tree, you may only need to prune your fruit tree every 2 or 3 years between November and March:

1. Before growth resumes, remove dead wood and water shoots
2. Cut back branches growing inward to allow air and light to circulate
3. Every other year, prune overly long branches by two-thirds, cutting just above an outward-facing bud
4. Remove any suckers growing at the base of the tree

My tip: If branches are heavily laden with fruit, you may need to prop them up to prevent breakage under their weight.

Diseases and potential pests

The Nashi Pear is resistant to diseases. However, like pear and apple trees, it is susceptible to fungal diseases such as Scab and powdery mildew: treat the tree preventatively in spring with Bordeaux mixture sprays. Against aphid infestations, a glue band around the trunk in early spring can prove useful, as can sprays with a mixture of water and black soap. Against the Codling Moth or fruit worm, consider installing pheromone traps in late May and attract bats and insectivorous birds, such as tits!

In overly chalky soil, your tree may suffer from chlorosis, which causes yellowing of the foliage.

Harvest of nashis

When and How to Harvest Them?

You’ll need to wait 2 to 3 years for your nashi to bear fruit after planting. The harvest of nashis begins in late August and ends in October, depending on the climate. Pick them when fully ripe, as they detach easily from the tree—they won’t ripen further after harvesting.

How to Store Them?

The fruits only keep for 2 to 3 weeks at room temperature. You can store them for 2 to 3 months in a crate or on slatted trays in a cellar, in a cool, dark place or in the refrigerator’s vegetable drawer.

→ Learn more about harvesting and storing apples and pears in our guide

What does Nashi taste like and how is it eaten?

The nashi has a taste similar to pear, its flesh is juicy, tangy, slightly sweet with notes of pineapple, pear and honey.

Once peeled, nashis can be eaten like apples and pears, preferably raw rather than cooked as they release a lot of water. They are perfect simply peeled and eaten with a knife. They are also delicious in fruit salads or to add a refreshing touch to a raw vegetable salad or to accompany foie gras. And why not as a compote, coulis or jam! Roasted in the oven, they pair wonderfully with white meats.

What are the benefits of Nashi?

Low in sugar and low in calories (51 kcal per 100 g), the nashi is rich in water (88g/100g), in fibre, in antioxidants, and contains potassium, magnesium, vitamin C, copper and calcium. It’s the perfect combination to improve digestion, blood circulation, reduce stress, cholesterol and cardiovascular diseases.

Nashi propagation

The most commonly used propagation method is grafting onto rootstocks derived from closely related species. Some rootstocks are obtained by sowing pips. The most common technique is double cleft grafting, but this propagation method should be reserved for professionals and experienced gardeners.