Description

You’ll find it hard to believe a tree this beautiful can produce such an abundant crop. Its pure white flesh is ideal for salads and they’re “oh, so good” for snacking! Ripens in late August. Pollinate with another Asian pear. See more recommended pollinators below.

Survival Guaranteed!

Since 1816, Stark Bro’s has promised to provide customers with the very best fruit trees and plants. It’s just that simple. If your trees or plants do not survive, please let us know within one year of delivery. We will send you a free one-time replacement, with a nominal shipping fee of $9.99. If the item in question is not available, we can issue a one-time credit to your account equaling the original product purchase price or issue you a refund. Read more about our warranty policy.

Characteristics

Bloom Color White
Bloom Time Early
Chill Hours 350 - 500
Fruit Color Yellow Green
Fruit Size Medium - Large
Hardiness Zone Range 5 - 9
Pollination Pollinator Required
Ripens/Harvest Late August
Shade/Sun Full Sun
Soil Composition Loamy
Soil Moisture Well Drained
Soil pH Level 6.0 - 7.0
Taste Mild, Sweet
Texture Fine Grained
Years to Bear 4 - 6

Size & Spacing

Mature Size

The mature size of this variety depends on the version you choose to plant:
Standard 18 - 20' tall x 12 - 13' wide
Semi-Dwarf 12 - 15' tall x 9 - 11' wide
Dwarf 8 - 10' tall x 6 - 7' wide

Recommended Spacing

The space needed for this variety to grow depends on the size you plant:
Standard 18 - 20'
Semi-Dwarf 12 - 15'
Dwarf 8 - 10'

Zone Compatibility

This Variety's Zone Range 5 - 9
My Hardiness Zone ?
The USDA hardiness zones offer a guide to varieties that will grow well in certain climates. Each zone corresponds to the minimum winter temperatures experienced in a given area. Make sure that your hardiness zone lies within the zone compatibility range of this variety before ordering.

Pollination

This variety requires another one for adequate pollination.

Cross-pollination by a different variety is key to its growing and bearing success. Plant one of these varieties within 100' for best pollination.

Tools & Supplies

Having the proper tools and supplies when growing your own can make the difference between a good harvest and a great harvest! Here's a list that our experts recommend for this variety.

Planting & Care

Learn all about how to grow pear trees in The Growing Guide. An entire section of our website dedicated to your growing success.

Shipping Information

Arrives when it's time to plant

Your success is our priority. We work hard to make sure that your order arrives at the ideal time for planting in your location based on your local climate conditions.

Tags

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Questions & Answers

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22 Questions
Why did you choose this?

It’s been on my wish list, and the bare root sale created a fantastic opportunity!

We love Asian pears, and I've ordered from you various times. I've always received quality trees and plants!

I have 3 Asian pears that have been productive for 30 years. Low maintenance.

My m.i.l. was Korean...she used it in a lot of food

Can this asian pear be espaliered? If so, which of the pollinator options would also work espaliered?

Yes asian pears can be espaliered. They are self fertile however it is recommended you have two different pear varieties to increase pollination.

Is this 20th Century Asian Pear resistant to Fire Blight?

We appreciate you reaching out to us. This variety is not resistant to blight or any other diseases.

If you have any further questions please don't hesitate to reach back out to us. Have a great day!

Can 20th Century Asian Pear cross pollinate with a Hosui Asian Pear?

Yes as they are both early season bloomers.

Would a Kieffer Pear Tree be a suitable pollinator for a 20th Century Pear Tree?

No Asian pear trees need another Asian pear tree for pollination or a Bartlett

How many years for a bare-root 20th century Asian pear tree to bear fruit?

We appreciate you reaching out to us. You can find the years-to-bear information in the Characteristics section, near the top of the page, underneath the description. This tree takes 4-6 years to bear.

If you have any further questions please don't hesitate to reach back out to us. Have a great day!

will it produce fruit with asian peggy pear?

Yes as they both are early season bloomers.

How would this do in a large pot?

You can grow almost anything in a container! This excellent article will answer your questions and provide good advice. Please see "Growing Fruit Trees in Containers" //www.starkbros.com/growing-guide/article/fruit-trees-in-containers-pt1

I have some Alberta peach trees and I live in alabama where it's been raining alot I went out to look them over today and they were spongy on the bottom what can I do?

When the base of your Elberta peach trees feels spongy, especially in very wet conditions like you're experiencing in Alabama, it’s often a sign of root rot or crown rot—serious fungal issues that thrive in soggy soil.

Here's what you can do right now:
1. Improve Drainage Immediately
If the trees are young and movable, consider replanting them in a raised bed or mound to allow water to drain away from the trunk.

If the trees are established, you can try to trench around them to divert water or add soil amendments around the base to improve drainage.

2. Clear the Base
Remove any mulch or soil that is up against the trunk to let the crown dry out.

Leave the base of the tree exposed to air and sunlight to slow fungal progression.

3. Apply a Fungicide
Use a fungicide labeled for crown or root rot (such as one containing phosphorous acid/phosphite or metalaxyl).

Spray the trunk and soil at the base according to label instructions.

4. Reduce Watering
If the rain continues, there may not be much you can control, but avoid any additional watering and monitor soil moisture closely.

5. Check for Girdling or Pests
Sometimes, borers can also cause softening or damage at the base. Look for holes, sap, or frass around the trunk.

6. Monitor and Be Prepared to Act Quickly
If the sponginess worsens and the tree starts to decline (leaves yellowing, wilting), the tree may not recover. Catching this early gives the best chance of saving it.

Need to know what zone for Asian pear?

Each variety has a rated zone if you scroll down the product page. Our website has a special feature that will help you find the best plants for you to grow in your area. Simply enter your zip code in our Hardiness Zone Finder and as you browse our page, you’ll see a small check mark next to products that are hardy to your growing zone!

https://www.starkbros.com/zone-finder

Are your 20th century pears organic and heirloom?

No, Stark Bro’s 20th Century pear trees are not certified organic.

However, they are non-GMO, and Stark Bro’s follows good nursery practices to ensure healthy, clean stock. If you're growing organically, you can certainly raise the tree organically once it's in your care.

Yes, 20th Century (also known as Nijisseiki) is considered an heirloom variety.

It originated in Japan in the late 1800s and has been widely grown ever since for its crisp, juicy texture and sweet, mildly tart flavor.

Customer Reviews

16 Ratings
3.4out of 5 stars
16 Ratings

Rated 5 stars by 44% of reviewers

Rated 4 stars by 6% of reviewers

Rated 3 stars by 25% of reviewers

Rated 2 stars by 0% of reviewers

Rated 1 star by 25% of reviewers

1-10 of 16 Reviews
Rated 5 out of 5
Jul 10, 2025
Customer
Beautiful and Thriving. I recommend Stark Bros. to my family and friends.
Rated 5 out of 5
Jun 11, 2025
Skinny but healthy
This is the second time I bought this variety of pear tree. The first time was a bare root tree that, for lack of space, was planted in a very shady spot. It survived a harsh winter amazingly, but never did send out any leaves. This time I got the ez start which I immediately potted. Though a good deal skinnier than the first tree, this one came with leaves. Within a day the leaves unfurled and new shoots are growing at the nodules. I'm still holding out hope for the original tree, now replanted in full sun. I will never consider buying a tree from anywhere else.
Rated 5 out of 5
Nov 2, 2024
Asian Pear
20TH Century Asian pear has grown well over the two years I have had it. This year it yielded about 20 pears which were very sweet and tasty. Would recommend. Have always had good luck with trees from this vendor....
Rated 5 out of 5
Sep 25, 2024
So far, so good, in the 21st century.
These pear trees grow pretty fast. Even had a tree after 2 years put on fruit. DON'T LET THEM that young. One had 7 pears, I cut all but 3. It was too much weight and when a storm came, it broke at the ground...rrrr. I didn't have patience and wanted to try some. Now I'm 2 years behind on that tree (I have 4 others). Not super resistant to fire blight, but they do seem to survive a touch of it.
Rated 5 out of 5
Oct 10, 2022
2 Asian pears
Great packaging. Easy to plant. Doing well against Asian fruitful after first leaves eaten. Isolated with peppermint oil, flies stay away& now good leaf growth
Rated 5 out of 5
Oct 4, 2022
Trees doing fantastic
The packaging for this one was done perfect it was in soil easy to transplant. The tree is doing marvelous. I’m pleased overall.
Rated 5 out of 5
Sep 24, 2022
Excellent pears.
Delicious, and doing fine. I’ve bought many from Starks, and will continue. Excellent products.
Rated 4 out of 5
Aug 16, 2023
Strong and healthy, but seem to grow very slow compared to regular bosch pear tree.
Rated 3 out of 5
Jun 22, 2024
Died
It died after planting IDK what was the problem, after planting 3/5 days was fine but started dying and now dead. I am so upset i was hoping from it.
Rated 3 out of 5
Sep 13, 2023
Slowly starting to leaf out, sadly this is the best of what we are seeing from the bare roots
Of the 10ish bare root trees we purchased this is doing the best. It's also the only bare root in we purchased that we have any expectations of being after winter.

After 3 months we have a number of points where this tree is starting to leaf out. My expectations were that we would see this type of growth after 6-8 weeks although it does appear to be thriving.