Pyrus pyrifolia 'Niitaka'
Our inventory is up to date, you can pre-order now for the spring 2024 planting season.
If you are looking for the largest possible Asian pears then Niitaka is a good choice as it is capable of producing very large fruits. The pears are shaped very much like apples, and have a golden russet skin, flecked with lenticels, and a crisp juicy texture.
Niitaka pears also store very well, up to six months in domestic conditions.
In order to achieve the maximum fruit size, and best flavor, it is important to be quite aggressive in thinning the fruitlets once they have set in late spring. Failure to do so will result in a larger number of smaller fruits, and can also lead to branches snapping under the weight.
Although generally disease-resistant, Niitaka (and many other Asian pears) is quite susceptible to fireblight.
Niikata is not self-fertile and needs to be pollinated by another different Asian pear variety planted nearby. Many early or mid-bloom European pears will also pollinate it.
Advice on fruit tree pollination.