Peggy Asian Pear Tree

Peggy Asian Pear has one of the most personal origin stories in the catalog — discovered in 2003 in Yakima, Washington by Doug Keithly as a limb sport of the Arirang Asian pear tree, the new variety was so strikingly different and so clearly exceptional that Keithly named it after the most precious thing he could think of: his wife Peggy. The fruit that earned that honor ripens four weeks earlier than Arirang, has a distinct conical shape that sets it apart from the round profile of most Asian pears, and develops an attractive golden-green russeted skin with crisp, juicy, sweet white flesh and a pleasant aroma. Keeps up to 8 months in proper storage — among the longest of any Asian pear. Cold-hardy in Zones 4–8. A pollinator is required.

May be covered by USPP #29,880 or other patents.

Named for Peggy — A Discovery Worth Celebrating

Limb sports — spontaneous mutations on a single branch of an existing tree — are how many of the finest fruit varieties have been discovered throughout history. Doug Keithly found his limb sport on an Arirang Asian pear in Yakima, Washington in 2003 and recognized immediately that what he was looking at was different and better: the fruit ripened four weeks earlier, the shape was distinctly conical rather than round, the russet coloring was attractive and unique, and the flavor and texture were outstanding. The name he chose for it honors what he valued most.

Four Weeks Earlier Than Arirang — Late August Ripening

Peggy’s late August to early September ripening arrives four weeks ahead of its Arirang parent — a meaningful early-season advantage for growers who want to extend the Asian pear harvest. The crisp, juicy, sweet white flesh with pleasant aroma delivers the classic Asian pear character at its freshest, well ahead of most other varieties.

Eight Months of Storage — Extraordinary Keeping Quality

Peggy’s storage life is genuinely exceptional — up to 8 months in proper refrigerated storage while maintaining crisp texture and fresh flavor. For home orchardists who want to enjoy homegrown Asian pears through winter and into spring, that keeping quality extends the harvest season far beyond what most fresh fruit can deliver.

Why Growers Choose Peggy Asian Pear

• A Stark Bro’s exclusive — only available from Stark Bro’s
• Named for Doug Keithly’s wife — one of the most personal origin stories in the catalog
• Discovered Yakima, Washington, 2003 — limb sport of Arirang, four weeks earlier ripening
• Distinctive conical shape and golden russet skin — visually unique among Asian pears
• Crisp, juicy, sweet white flesh — classic Asian pear character with pleasant aroma
• Up to 8 months of storage — among the finest keeping Asian pears available