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This item is a Stark Pick!
Starking® Hardy Giant™ Asian Pear
Starking® Hardy Giant™ Asian Pear
Starking® Hardy Giant™ Asian Pear
Starking® Hardy Giant™ Asian Pear
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Starking® Hardy Giant™ Asian Pear

36 ReviewsAsk Questions
Starting at
$29.99

Description

A Stark Bro's Exclusive!Easy to Grow! A Stark Pick

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.

Characteristics

Bloom Color White
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 - 20' Wide
Semi-Dwarf 12 - 15' Tall X 9 - 11' Wide
Dwarf 8 - 15' Tall X 6 - 15' 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 - 15'

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.

Read about how to grow pear trees »

Shipping Information

Estimated Delivery Date

Get an estimated delivery date »

You don't pay until it ships.

We work hard to make sure that your order arrives at the ideal time for planting in your location. That's why we only ship living products during certain times of the year. Order now and your credit card won't be charged until your climate is suitable for planting success and your order is shipped.

Our Promise of Satisfaction

1 Year Warranty

Every order comes with our promise of satisfaction. If you aren't completely satisfied with your order, let us know within one year for a free one-time replacement or refund.

Tags

We've 'tagged' this item with specific keywords that help you find other products that share features or characteristics with this one. Select a tag below to view all the items that have that particular trait.

Questions & Answers

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Browse 27 questions Browse 27 questions and 68 answers
Why did you choose this?
Stark Bro's Store
My parents had one and I love them because they were crisp and made excellent preserves and they kept well
Oliver B on Dec 5, 2019
My neighbor bought these trees from shark bros and never had a problem with the trees. They are always overflowing with fruit and very sweet
Beatrice K on Oct 4, 2019
My parents had one and I love them because they were crisp and made excellent preserves and they kept well
Oliver B on Dec 5, 2019
Want to try this and is dwarf, has good reviews from Stark owner for taste
JoAnne on Oct 4, 2019
My neighbor bought these trees from shark bros and never had a problem with the trees. They are always overflowing with fruit and very sweet
Beatrice K on Oct 4, 2019
Disease resistant and great taste.
SHARON M on Sep 22, 2019
We bought three asian pears in 2012. A Starking Hardy Giant, a 'Maxie' and a Chojuro. Last year HG tree was loaded (had a few pears the previous year, in 2017) and this year was loaded again. The Maxie has a couple dozen pears this year but they are fairly small. The Chojuro had the top die off and has new growth farther down but has no fruit. We decided that this variety was the best and wanted a couple more - they are incredibly disease and bug resistant and taste great.
LAURIE S on Sep 21, 2019
Just can't pass it by..... Love this above all else. Wanted to compare your's with what I already have started
Boyd F on Jul 15, 2019
Heard u are sure to ship what was ordered and no substitute
Mac P on Jun 8, 2019
I don???t have a Asian pear so I decided to try this one!!
James E on May 26, 2019
Its the largest asian pear and Stark's says its easy to grow. Will see ...
Dan from CNY on May 21, 2019
I trust Stark Bros and I love the fruit and if you buy them at the store they're expensive.
Rene R on Apr 27, 2019
It???s cold hardy and I like the idea of large fruit for making jams!
Kathleen K on Apr 27, 2019
Great success with this tree. First planted 19 years ago. Care free. Great fruit.
Richard S on Apr 22, 2019
It was my zone and will do nicely in my fruit garden.
Charlene Y on Apr 11, 2019
I like asian pears and this sounds good for our area
Brenda S on Apr 2, 2019
To add to my Asian pear collection
Michael T on Mar 28, 2019
Large fruit and great taste.
Ariel C on Mar 11, 2019
As a companion for a single Asian Pear tree.
Kenneth R on Mar 4, 2019
The best pear I ever eaten.
Edith C on Feb 18, 2019
Love flavor
Larry R on Feb 16, 2019
Storage capabiliities
James on Feb 3, 2019
This is a proper pollinator for my other Asian Pear tree.
William A on Jan 27, 2019
I ordered two other types of korean pears already and wanted to get the giant pears. They keep long in the fridge normally and are quite expensive to buy from the korean market. My other two tree's look like they are doing really good thus far so I bought these from stark cause the instructions on how to plant is really simple and they have good quality product with cheap prices :)
Alan B on Sep 26, 2018
My favorite and much larger than the other Asian pears
Nikki L on Sep 22, 2018
These are really giant and great tasting
Joseph C on Dec 24, 2017
These pears are huge and they are the absolute best I have ever eaten! They were given to us by a friend and we wanted to share the goodness with a loved one!
Jerry C on Oct 6, 2017
I have 6 Asian pears trees, and this is my favorite. i prune the height of my Asian pear to 7-8 feet, which makes it easier when spraying or picking fruit. I also prune all branches 1/3 of its new growth every year because these Asian pears are large and heavy, and will break branches if left unpruned. I also allow one flower per cluster, which helps make a larger Asian pear with out breaking the branch. this Asian pear by far is a 5 star winner
R E S on Apr 27, 2017
My daughter loves Asian Pears - she calls them papples. We hope these grow well for us.
ROSE E on Apr 25, 2017
Ate some of these last year and loved them. Also Asian pear is a good variety for our area.
Jacob S on Mar 19, 2017
Love Asian pears. Had some at a previous house--this one is hardy to zone 4. These pears suffer from no pest problems.
John R on Mar 4, 2017
I chose this variety because i wanted to try a Dwarf pear tree. Reviews seem very good so I am giving these a try.
Dawn G on Feb 2, 2017
I like the big size of fruit, sweet & cruncy!
TANAWAT S on Nov 4, 2016
Have Bartlett trees now and wanted a better mix (one is for the guy who got me started in this world of fruit trees ).
David C on Oct 6, 2016
Crispy, juicy, sweet, huge, enough to share with a friend in one pear. A specialty fruit at the store, and priced accordingly, so worth the space in the orchard.
Bright D on May 16, 2016
my boss says I love Asian pears
Tai T on Apr 16, 2016
I have this tree for 10 years and Iove this pear
Leon W H on Apr 10, 2016
Sweet and crisp and hardy for Minnesota.
Radhika P on Apr 2, 2016
We have eaten them and like them
LOUIS S on Mar 16, 2016
Best in our area
Shan C on Mar 16, 2016
Want to try this and is dwarf, has good reviews from Stark owner for taste
JoAnne on Oct 4, 2019
Disease resistant and great taste.
SHARON M on Sep 22, 2019
What are chilling requirements of Starking giant Asian pears?
Rick S on Mar 15, 2017
BEST ANSWER: The chill hours required for this Asian pear are 400-500.
Will the Hardy Giant be pollinated by a Moonglow since it is a Bartlett type pear?
Lacy B on Apr 20, 2017
BEST ANSWER: Yes, that will work.
is the starking hardy giant asian pear resistent to fire blight?
chris c on Feb 12, 2017
BEST ANSWER: This variety has an excellent resistance to fire blight.
Was wondering if you need to stake the tree?
Dawn G on Feb 1, 2017
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.
Is this the same as/similar to Korean Giant?
Megan N on May 23, 2018
BEST ANSWER: It is one and the same. It is also the same Asian pear as 'Olympic'.
Who are the best pollinators for this tree? I would like a variety of pears if possible.
Chris on Mar 10, 2018
BEST ANSWER: Bartlett is always very reliable. We also like Hosui and New Century because of the very similar bloom time.
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.
Lan N on Mar 20, 2017
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.
Can I use this pear to cross pollinate with seckel pears?
Tien T on Jul 20, 2019
BEST ANSWER: Thank you LeAnn!
Can I use the Moonglow pear as a pollinator for the Asian Pear?
Peter B on Nov 12, 2019
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!
I live in San Antonio. Will this grow here? And, can I keep it in a pot indoors until next summer?
Peter B on Nov 12, 2019
BEST ANSWER: Hi Peter - We appreciate you reaching out to us. The zone range on this variety is zone 4-8. If you have any other questions or concerns please do not hesitate to reach out to us. Have a great day!
Is this variety resistant to fire blight?
Cottonjohnny on Oct 23, 2019
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.
Are trees bare rooted?
Vikki B on Jun 23, 2019
BEST ANSWER: That will depend upon which option you choose. Please see the "Choose an option" dropdown menu near the top of the page, which will show you the various sizes/options that are available.
When will my bare root trees start to show growth? My Asian pears and raspberries have been planted almost 1 week and still have no signs of budding or growth
Talen N on Jun 14, 2019
BEST ANSWER: It can take a couple of weeks for the trees/plants to break dormancy, especially if the weather has been cool where you are. They will also be slower to come around if you didn't soak the roots first. If you still don't see signs of growth after 3 weeks, please come back and let us know.
will the Summercrisp pear work with this pear as a cross pollinator?
Chester on Jun 3, 2019
BEST ANSWER: Yes, it will.
Can the Hardy Giant Asian Pear be planted close to a house, or would the roots damage the foundation?
Elliott B on May 8, 2019
BEST ANSWER: No tree should be planted too close to a house - look at the mature height of the tree, then plant it that far away from the foundation.
Will this tree cross pollinate with Korean giant or is this some kind of limb sport of Korean giant?
Don B on Apr 11, 2019
BEST ANSWER: They are the same tree. This variety has also gone by the name of Olympic Giant. A different variety of European or Asian pear would be needed to pollinate Hardy Giant.
how "old" are the dwarf ez pot and bare root semi-dwarf sized trees?
Sheri on Apr 4, 2019
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.
I only have room for two dwarf fruit trees in my garden and would love some variety. Can another other fruit variety pollinate the Giant Asian Pear? I wouldn???t be too upset if I can to get two because we love this variety but it would be nice to have another fruit.
Nicole B on Mar 9, 2019
BEST ANSWER: Hi, Nicole. 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, unless it is self-pollinating. That sounds like the solution for you. If you search above for "self-pollinating" (no quote marks needed), you'll see results for apple trees and pear trees. Methley and Santa Rosa are self-pollinating plums you will love, if your growing zone is suitable.
I only have room for two pear trees. Will the Hardy Giant Asian pear tree polinate with the Anjou?
Denise R on Feb 28, 2019
BEST ANSWER: For best pollination, we recommend using another pear variety, like Hosui, New Century or Bartlett.
Is this a good pollinator for the pyrus pyrifolia pear?
Kathy K on Dec 30, 2018
BEST ANSWER: This is a pyrus pyrifolia (Asian pear) and will pollinate most other Asian pears.
I have the hardy giant asian tree it was planted 1/2015 seems to be doing well,will I have to buy something to pollinate when it come in bloom? I live in carpinteria ,ca.93013
Paul S on Dec 11, 2018
BEST ANSWER: Yes, you will need a pollinator tree. Good choices include Hosui, New Century, or Bartlett.
Usually up to 50% of my starking hardy giant pears are deformed. What coud be causing that?
George S on Sep 28, 2018
BEST ANSWER: It's likely a nutrient deficiency of some kind, We would recommend a soil test to see what's missing. If this is the tree's first year of production, some inconsistency in the fruit shape can be expected and is normal.
My tree had very few leaves when I got it. After a few weeks, new leaves started to come out. Then one morning I came to find all the leaves were gone. A week later a couple of new leaves came out, then the next day they are all gone again. Could it be that something ate it? There was no wind or storm. What to do?
Sokunna C on Aug 23, 2018
BEST ANSWER: It sounds like either deer or rabbits are munching those tender new leaves. You will probably need to fence the tree (a tomato cage will work for a small tree) or at least cover it with some netting.
I have D'anjou, Seckel, Bartlett, and Ayers pear trees. Will any of these pollinate the Starking Hardy Giant Asian Pear?
Mark M on Apr 7, 2018
BEST ANSWER: Bartlett and Anjou both will.
Will the Asian Pear (1308860) pollinate with apple trees? I have Courtney, Honey Crisp, Zestar and Delicious.
Carol S on Sep 10, 2017
BEST ANSWER: Pear trees will not pollinate apple trees; an Asian pear can be pollinated by a European pear with a similar bloom time.
Will the Starking Hardy Asian Pear and the Bartlett Pear pollinate each other or will I need a third tree?
chris c on Feb 26, 2017
BEST ANSWER: You will not need a third tree; Starking?? Hardy Giant and Bartlett will cross-pollinate.

Customer Reviews

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4.6 / 5.0
36 Reviews
5 Stars
4 Stars
3 Stars
2 Stars
1 Star
27
6
2
0
1
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.
March 6, 2016
Purchased
 over 4 years ago
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...
May 13, 2016
Purchased
 over 4 years ago
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
June 13, 2016
Purchased
 over 4 years ago
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....
May 16, 2016
Purchased
 over 5 years ago
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.
May 18, 2016
Purchased
 over 4 years ago
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)
May 10, 2016
Purchased
 over 4 years ago
Pears for Alaska
Robust first summer last year. Are up and flourishing in May
May 12, 2016
Purchased
 over 4 years ago
Doing good.
Made it thru the winter and spring. Not a huge amount of growth but crisp healthy leaves!
May 19, 2016
Purchased
 over 4 years ago
Starking Hardy Giant Asian Pear
The Asian pear which I planted in the fall of 2014 is doing well. In it's first year the new leaves were attacked by aphids, but when that was taken care of the growth was normal. No blossoms this year.
May 6, 2016
Purchased
 over 5 years ago
Healthy tree
This will be my third planting of this tree. All are doing well and the first two produce enormous crops!
May 10, 2017
Purchased
 over 4 years ago

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