Starking® Hardy Giant™ Asian Pear
Description
Bears large pears! This easy-to-grow tree produces an irresistibly sweet, crisp and juicy fruit. Fruit weighs approximately 12 to 15 ounces! Stores up to nine months in proper refrigeration. Resistant to pear leaf spot. Cold-hardy. Originates from Korea in 1969. Ripens in October. Pollinator required: Choose another pear variety, like Hosui, New Century or Bartlett.
Declared the favorite fruit of Stark Bro’s President, and chosen as one of our Stark Picks, you’ll find the Starking® Hardy Giant Asian Pear is one of the easiest fruit trees you can grow. Disease-resistance and hardiness to zone 4 make this particular tree a reliable choice for your home orchard.
125% Survival Guarantee!
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 issue a one-time merchandise credit to your account equaling 125% of the original product purchase price. Read more about our warranty policy.
Characteristics
| Bloom Color | White |
| Chill Hours | 700 |
| Fruit Color | Brown |
| Fruit Size | Large |
| Ripens/Harvest | October |
| Shade/Sun | Full Sun |
| Soil Composition | Loamy |
| Soil Moisture | Well Drained |
| Soil pH Level | 6.0 - 7.0 |
| Taste | Sweet |
| Texture | Crisp, Juicy |
| Years to Bear | 4 - 6 |
| Zone Range | 4 - 8 |
Zone Compatibility
This Variety's Zone Range
4 - 8
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 compatability range of this variety before ordering.
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' |
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 50' 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.
Questions & Answers
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Browse 49 questions
Browse 49 questions
and 98 answers
Why did you choose this?
Stark Bro's Store
Great consistant producer. Very good quality with little maintenance.
CHARLES J
on Apr 18, 2021
Have an asian pear and had to have another, they taste great.
Deborah W
on Apr 17, 2021
Great consistant producer. Very good quality with little maintenance.
CHARLES J
on Apr 18, 2021
For a gift
Linda T
on Apr 18, 2021
What are chilling requirements of Starking giant Asian pears?
BEST ANSWER: The chill hours required for this Asian pear are 400-500.
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- LeAnn Staff on Mar 15, 2017
Will the Hardy Giant be pollinated by a Moonglow since it is a Bartlett type pear?
is the starking hardy giant asian pear resistent to fire blight?
BEST ANSWER: This variety has an excellent resistance to fire blight.
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- LeAnn Staff on Feb 12, 2017
Will this pear cross pollinate with an Ayers or Kieffer Pear?
Is this variety resistant to fire blight?
BEST ANSWER: I???ve only had it a year. It was planted two summers ago and it did not winter well. I had to cut it way back. And it didn???t winter well the second year either. I???m supposed to be in zone four, but I don???t think it???s hard enough for zone four.
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- Susan B on Oct 23, 2019
- Purchased on Feb 7, 2018
Was wondering if you need to stake the tree?
BEST ANSWER: I have 7 Asian pears trees, and two of them are hardy giant Asian pears. this is one of favorite Asian pears, they are large and have a great taste.
I did not state any of my Asian pears, however there were times after the winter snow, heavy spring rain and heavy winds some of my fruit trees leaned/tilted due to the loose water logged ground/soil...
so then I took 1/2 inch steel conduit; pounded into the ground approximately 1-3 feet away from the trunk and then used a rubber truck strap and wrapped it around the trunk and then secured it onto the steel conduit to strengthen the tree.
then very gently I walked on the side of the conduit from the trunk and then to the conduit to slightly/softly compact the soil a little bit, which seem to help keep the tree straight upward.
tip:-always prune this tree every year as suggestive via stark brother recommendations because the giant Asian pear fruit is large, and very heavy, and will crack the fruit limbs if there is to much weight from to many fruit on the limb.
also make sure you allow 1 flower per cluster, with a distance of 6-8 inches apart from another flower as not to bear to much weight on the fruit tree limb. some people leave 2 flower per cluster, and once the flower establishes fruit, then they will remove the smaller growing fruit.
you will enjoy this giant Asian pear for many years to come, it is one of most favorite fruits.
I did not state any of my Asian pears, however there were times after the winter snow, heavy spring rain and heavy winds some of my fruit trees leaned/tilted due to the loose water logged ground/soil...
so then I took 1/2 inch steel conduit; pounded into the ground approximately 1-3 feet away from the trunk and then used a rubber truck strap and wrapped it around the trunk and then secured it onto the steel conduit to strengthen the tree.
then very gently I walked on the side of the conduit from the trunk and then to the conduit to slightly/softly compact the soil a little bit, which seem to help keep the tree straight upward.
tip:-always prune this tree every year as suggestive via stark brother recommendations because the giant Asian pear fruit is large, and very heavy, and will crack the fruit limbs if there is to much weight from to many fruit on the limb.
also make sure you allow 1 flower per cluster, with a distance of 6-8 inches apart from another flower as not to bear to much weight on the fruit tree limb. some people leave 2 flower per cluster, and once the flower establishes fruit, then they will remove the smaller growing fruit.
you will enjoy this giant Asian pear for many years to come, it is one of most favorite fruits.
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- R E S on Feb 2, 2017
- Purchased on Apr 14, 2015
Is this the same as/similar to Korean Giant?
BEST ANSWER: It is one and the same. It is also the same Asian pear as 'Olympic'.
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- LeAnn Staff on May 23, 2018
Who are the best pollinators for this tree? I would like a variety of pears if possible.
BEST ANSWER: Bartlett is always very reliable. We also like Hosui and New Century because of the very similar bloom time.
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- LeAnn Staff on Mar 10, 2018
how "old" are the dwarf ez pot and bare root semi-dwarf sized trees?
BEST ANSWER: All of our trees are two years old. The trees in the EZ Start pots have a highly developed root system that is equivalent of a three-year-old tree.
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- Inaccurate
- LeAnn Staff on Apr 5, 2019
We live in Jacksonville, FL. Zone 9a. It's so close to zone 8. Should I get this tree? I've been wanting it forever.
BEST ANSWER: It's tricky, because you live near the water, where the temperature is more moderate and there is likely to be more of a breeze. That kind of microclimate could accommodate this tree, but you would be taking a risk that it wouldn't survive. You can try it; we have a one-year replacement guarantee in the event that it doesn't make it.
- Reply(1)
- Inaccurate
- LeAnn Staff on Mar 20, 2017
Can I use this pear to cross pollinate with seckel pears?
Will this pear pollinate a shinko variety?
BEST ANSWER: Yes these will pollinate together to bear fruit.
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- Inaccurate
- TiffanyF Staff on Apr 12, 2021
I have a shinseiki pear tree already. Would it be able to pollinate this tree?
BEST ANSWER: We appreciate you reaching out to us. They should, for cross-pollination, plant two Asian Pear varieties or one Asian Pear and an early blooming European variety like Bartlett.
If you have any further questions please don't hesitate to reach back out to us. Have a great day!
If you have any further questions please don't hesitate to reach back out to us. Have a great day!
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- TiffanyF Staff on Feb 16, 2021
When is the best time to pick them ?
BEST ANSWER: We appreciate you reaching out to us. I am including the link to harvesting information for this variety. https://www.starkbros.com/growing-guide/how-to-grow/fruit-trees/pear-trees/harvesting
If you have any further questions please don't hesitate to reach back out to us. Have a great day!
If you have any further questions please don't hesitate to reach back out to us. Have a great day!
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- TiffanyF Staff on Sep 30, 2020
What causes the fruit to have multiple dimples?
BEST ANSWER: A few different things can cause this. It can be a boron deficiency in the soil, a virus known as Stony Pit Virus or damage from hail or birds.
- Reply(1)
- Inaccurate
- Tabitha R Expert on Sep 18, 2020
I lost 1 of my pear tree from last fall how do I go about trying to get a replacement ??
BEST ANSWER: Thank you for your inquiry. I'm sorry to hear about your tree. Please call Customer Support at 800.325.4180 and we'll be happy to assist you with a one-time replacement or refund if purchased within the last year.
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- Inaccurate
- TiffanyF Staff on Aug 31, 2020
Question: Would the Stark King Asian pear be suitable to grow using espalier?
BEST ANSWER: Short answer is: yes. You can espalier practically any fruit tree, including this tree. The dwarf size is the easiest to espalier. Our detailed article can be found here: //www.starkbros.com/growing-guide/article/espalier-fruit-trees Our detailed article can be found here: //www.starkbros.com/growing-guide/article/espalier-fruit-trees
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- TiffanyF Staff on Aug 31, 2020
I have an Asian pear tree, about 50-60 years old. I don't know the specific identification of this Asian pear tree, but will it be able to pollinate my Stark Bros. Giant Asian pear tree?
BEST ANSWER: It is hard to say for sure as the bloom times need to match in order for proper pollination to take place.
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- TiffanyF Staff on Jul 29, 2020
Do you still sell 4-5 foot trees?
BEST ANSWER: We appreciate you reaching out to us. Currently in the fall season we only ship potted ez start trees which ship with a range from 1.5-3 feet tall. Our supreme bare roots are only available in the spring season.
If you have any further questions please don't hesitate to reach back out to us. Have a great day!
If you have any further questions please don't hesitate to reach back out to us. Have a great day!
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- TiffanyF Staff on Jul 21, 2020
Can two Starking?? Hardy Giant??? Asian Pear trees polinate each other? It's hard to find something for my zone 4B
BEST ANSWER: The same variety cannot pollinate itself. You will need another Asian pear or Bartlett variety with a similar bloom time in order for good pollination to occur.
One species cannot pollinate another; for example, a plum cannot pollinate an apple, and a pear cannot pollinate a peach. A fruit tree that requires a pollinator needs a different variety of the same species that has a similar bloom time.
One species cannot pollinate another; for example, a plum cannot pollinate an apple, and a pear cannot pollinate a peach. A fruit tree that requires a pollinator needs a different variety of the same species that has a similar bloom time.
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- TiffanyF Staff on Jul 17, 2020
Do you have a dwarf hardy giant Asian pear?
BEST ANSWER: We appreciate you reaching out to us. At this time all available is a semi-dwarf ez start potted variety.
If you have any further questions please don't hesitate to reach back out to us. Have a great day!
If you have any further questions please don't hesitate to reach back out to us. Have a great day!
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- Inaccurate
- TiffanyF Staff on Jun 16, 2020
Will Starking Delicious pear pollinate Starking Hardy Giant Asian pear? Lost my Bartlett pair to fire blight so wanted something that is resistant to pollinate my asian pear.
BEST ANSWER: We appreciate you reaching out to us. Unfortunately no the Starking delicious will not work for pollination purposes.
If you have any further questions please don't hesitate to reach back out to us. Have a great day!
If you have any further questions please don't hesitate to reach back out to us. Have a great day!
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- TiffanyF Staff on Jun 5, 2020
I bought this tree for Starks in 2013 along with the New Century Asian Pear. I planted both next to each other for pollination. I have never had a single pear from this tree and only 3 or 4 on the New Asian one. What am I doing wrong here?
BEST ANSWER: The same variety cannot pollinate itself. You will need another pear variety with a similar bloom time in order for good pollination to occur.
One species cannot pollinate another; for example, a plum cannot pollinate an apple, and a pear cannot pollinate a peach. A fruit tree that requires a pollinator needs a different variety of the same species that has a similar bloom time.
One species cannot pollinate another; for example, a plum cannot pollinate an apple, and a pear cannot pollinate a peach. A fruit tree that requires a pollinator needs a different variety of the same species that has a similar bloom time.
- Reply(1)
- Inaccurate
- TiffanyF Staff on May 19, 2020
Will this pollinate a Shinseki Asian pear?
BEST ANSWER: I really don't know. I do know that I did have a few pears last year
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- Larry K on Apr 21, 2020
- Purchased on Mar 22, 2018
Hi, Would like to know How many pears per tree will a mature Dwarf Hardy Giant
produce?
produce?
BEST ANSWER: I REALLY CANNOT SAY YET, THE TREE HAS LOTS OF BUDS SO FAR(THIS IS SECOND YEAR) ASK AGAIN IN ABOUT A MONTH AND CAN TELL YOU.
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- Inaccurate
- DAVE R on Apr 7, 2020
- Purchased on Apr 8, 2018
We have a last frost date of June 1st. What is the bloom time Hardy Giant Asian pear? Will it set fruit if the blossoms get a frost?
BEST ANSWER: I lived in Northern Vermont, right across the border to Canada. We never had any blossoms before June 1st so I believe you would be safe.
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- Inaccurate
- Susan B on Mar 16, 2020
- Purchased on Feb 7, 2018
We have flowering pear trees in the yard. Will those be compatible with cross pollination needed for this pear tree?
BEST ANSWER: We appreciate you reaching out to us. For good pollination, these need to be planted with another Asian or European pear tree. A flowering pear won't work.
If you have any further questions please don't hesitate to reach back out to us. Have a great day!
If you have any further questions please don't hesitate to reach back out to us. Have a great day!
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- Inaccurate
- Tabitha R Expert on Feb 21, 2020
If this is the same as the olympic giant is it really zone 4? Other places have the olympic giant rated only to zone 5.
BEST ANSWER: We appreciate you reaching out to us. The Starking?? Hardy Giant??? Asian Pear is a Stark Bro's exclusive that is more cold hardy than the Olympic.
If you have any further questions please don't hesitate to reach back out to us. Have a great day!
If you have any further questions please don't hesitate to reach back out to us. Have a great day!
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- Inaccurate
- Tabitha R Expert on Jan 29, 2020
does this come as a dwarf size?
BEST ANSWER: We appreciate you reaching out to us. At this time, we only have the sizes available shown in the option menu.
If you have any further questions please don't hesitate to reach back out to us. Have a great day!
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If you have any further questions please don't hesitate to reach back out to us. Have a great day!
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- Tabitha R Expert on Jan 8, 2020
Can I use the Moonglow pear as a pollinator for the Asian Pear?
BEST ANSWER: Hi Peter - We appreciate you reaching out to us. We recommend that you use choose another pear variety, like Hosui, New Century or Bartlett. If you have any other questions or concerns please do not hesitate to reach out to us. Have a great day!
- Reply
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- Tabitha R Expert on Nov 18, 2019
Customer Reviews
4.6 / 5.0
37 Reviews
review of the starking hardy giant asian pear.
I have seven (7), Asian pear trees; and the hardy giant Asian pear is on of my favorites. large, crisp, sweet tasting, is why the overall rating is 5 stars. all my fruit trees are dwarf, and I try to keep them at an height of approximately 7-8 feet tall so they are easy to maintain without using a latter per say. this hardy giant Asian pear is not self pollinating, so you will need another Asian pear tree to do this... it is best to consult with stark brothers personal to get the correct/right Asian pear tree for this.
remember to allow just one blossom from the cluster to develop, because of the weight of the fruit may break the branch it is on. don't worry, if you do this, you will still have plenty of giant Asian pears to enjoy...
remember to allow just one blossom from the cluster to develop, because of the weight of the fruit may break the branch it is on. don't worry, if you do this, you will still have plenty of giant Asian pears to enjoy...
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Loved the few pears, but mostly tree grown.
The first year I had 3 pears and the second I had 7 pears while the tree grew three feet taller even with pruning, but afraid to prune too hard. The flavor and color of the pears was great and the size was larger than the two other varieties, but not that much larger.
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Hardy Giant Asian pear
I bough the Hartdy Giant Asian Pear tree for my orachard in WV the Fruit is big, jucyie and sweet, the tree is low maintenance. I highly recommend
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nice tree
Deer ate so many tips of my Asian pear tree and it still alive. growing taller this spring, hopefully continue to grow to height that deer can't reach.. a few fruiting spurs.. next year will fruit . can't wait to have maybe at least 1 (or whatever left from the deer)
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Great tree
The tree arrived and appeared scrawny butt has been healthy and growing beautifully. No sign of disease. We had flowering the first spring but I kept the fruit pinched off to encourage further growth. I am very happy with my purchase.
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Asian pear
It is a wonderful tree...It is a wonderful Pear...I purchased one about 10 years ago....It is everything they say it is....I had to cut it down 2 years ago because of building construction...I knew I had to have another one...This time I planted it in a better place...I even purchased one for my brother so we could share....
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Pears for Alaska
Robust first summer last year. Are up and flourishing in May
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Doing good.
Made it thru the winter and spring. Not a huge amount of growth but crisp healthy leaves!
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Very tasty
This is my favorite of all the trees in my backyard orchard. They are so juicy and tasty.
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Best tasting Asian pear
We currently have about seven Asian pair trees and I have kept records and tried different varieties. This is my favorite and I can't wait to taste them in the early fall. The Hardy Giant generally ripens later than other Asian pears but very close behind and well worth the wait. Keep in mind it's best to have multiple varieties for good pollination. Due to a tough skin on most pears the birds tend to leave them alone, however if you like to let fully ripen on the tree you may need to net them a couple weeks before harvest. Also with most fruit trees a good spraying program is important but overall they are an easy to care for tree. Delicious!
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