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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

37 ReviewsAsk Questions
Starting at
$32.99
Each

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.

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.

Read about how to grow pear trees »

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

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 46 questions Browse 46 questions and 96 answers
Why did you choose this?
Stark Bro's Store
My family loves Asian pears and I grew them at my last home. Wanted shorter trees than I had there!
KAYLA D on Jan 6, 2021
Need a cross pollinator for an existing pear tree.
Joseph C on Dec 15, 2020
My family loves Asian pears and I grew them at my last home. Wanted shorter trees than I had there!
KAYLA D on Jan 6, 2021
I have grown this before and have had good luck and many happy neighbors!
BARBARA T on Jan 3, 2021
Need a cross pollinator for an existing pear tree.
Joseph C on Dec 15, 2020
Great pear trees! Fruit is Awesome!
ALAN J on Dec 12, 2020
I love Asian pears! I???m also curious if I can grow in zone 4 !! My neighbor think impossible! On the list here you said can plant in zone 4 . Just hope starkbro kept their words!!!
Kimyear P on Nov 30, 2020
Growing asian pears
Mary M on Oct 7, 2020
Hope for a variety of pears- and this mentions hardiness and insect resistant.
Deb S on Sep 29, 2020
Would pair well with a Persimmon tree.
Harrison A on Sep 25, 2020
easy to grow, not many pests, reliable fruits.
phillip y on Aug 31, 2020
I love Asian pears because they have a unique flavor as well as being crunchy ! I am able to grow Asian pears in my zone located in SW Oregon so am happy to be able to purchase this variety! I have previously purchased other Fuyu varieties that are flourishing here in my zone! So although you have me in a 9A zone, we are are actually in an 8B climate due to our Valley & Mtns configurations!
Ron O on Aug 31, 2020
replace one shipped earlier this year. It was a bare root and died.
MARTIN G. on Jul 25, 2020
It???s delicious fruit
Marites J on Jun 10, 2020
TO GET THE FREE SHIPPING
Eric P on Jun 3, 2020
We don't have a Korean grocery for over 100 miles. So I have been investing in plants that will get me key ingredients. These look like the ones in the store that my MIL brings when she visits
Kristy D on May 11, 2020
reviewing various asian pears for a while, this seems to be the best choice for a dwarf variant
Paul G on Apr 22, 2020
I wanted a larger asian pear
David H on Apr 18, 2020
Awesome!!
Joshua C on Apr 17, 2020
My son like to eat pear.
qiuyun c on Apr 16, 2020
Due to White Tail Deer problem I need standard size trees and there are not many options. I already have Kiefer and Bartlett pears which do well here. Curiosity.
Kevin G on Apr 14, 2020
Good customer reviews
JAMES M on Apr 14, 2020
I want to find a sweet fruit tree,I hope that the one.
patty L on Apr 12, 2020
Looked good.
Deanna B on Apr 8, 2020
It's an unusual variety.
Dennis M on Apr 8, 2020
I have five Asian pears in two, 150 tree orchards. Customers always want more Asian pear apples for the sweetness and the huge size! It's a best seller everytime.
Kirsten H on Apr 3, 2020
like asian pears, second try
m j on Mar 15, 2020
have one this one for neighbor
tony on Feb 19, 2020
Wanted more variety in my orchard.
James C on Feb 16, 2020
Tasted before
Larry on Feb 3, 2020
love them
EDWARD T on Jan 30, 2020
harvest time, looks good
STEVE J on Jan 27, 2020
brother had one always wanted one now i got one
tiny w on Jan 9, 2020
Great for eating.
LEN S on Dec 17, 2019
I have around my house 5 asian pears variety, today I had the chance to see one of this beauty that I don't have in the next minute I have it in my cart at stark bros, you guys are the best
Daniel J on Dec 13, 2019
This pear has large delicious fruit and is disease resistant.
Christine V on Dec 12, 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
I have grown this before and have had good luck and many happy neighbors!
BARBARA T on Jan 3, 2021
Great pear trees! Fruit is Awesome!
ALAN J on Dec 12, 2020
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.
Will this pear cross pollinate with an Ayers or Kieffer Pear?
JoAnn R on Mar 4, 2020
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.
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.
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.
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!
When is the best time to pick them ?
Roger K on Sep 28, 2020
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!
What causes the fruit to have multiple dimples?
Gary G on Sep 15, 2020
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.
I lost 1 of my pear tree from last fall how do I go about trying to get a replacement ??
Rob S on Aug 28, 2020
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.
Question: Would the Stark King Asian pear be suitable to grow using espalier?
Don W on Aug 12, 2020
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
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?
fruit trees on Jul 27, 2020
BEST ANSWER: It is hard to say for sure as the bloom times need to match in order for proper pollination to take place.
Do you still sell 4-5 foot trees?
Richard M on Jul 17, 2020
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!
Can two Starking?? Hardy Giant??? Asian Pear trees polinate each other? It's hard to find something for my zone 4B
Tim on Jul 16, 2020
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.
Do you have a dwarf hardy giant Asian pear?
Lisa6300 on Jun 10, 2020
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!
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.
Henry on Jun 4, 2020
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!
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?
Atilla on May 18, 2020
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.
Will this pollinate a Shinseki Asian pear?
Katie C on Apr 19, 2020
BEST ANSWER: I really don't know. I do know that I did have a few pears last year
Hi, Would like to know How many pears per tree will a mature Dwarf Hardy Giant
produce?
KC Express on Apr 5, 2020
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.
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?
Jill K on Mar 13, 2020
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.
We have flowering pear trees in the yard. Will those be compatible with cross pollination needed for this pear tree?
Bill D on Feb 21, 2020
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 this is the same as the olympic giant is it really zone 4? Other places have the olympic giant rated only to zone 5.
Cassie W on Jan 29, 2020
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!
does this come as a dwarf size?
John N on Dec 26, 2019
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!
Posted Hide
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!
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.

Customer Reviews

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4.6 / 5.0
37 Reviews
5 Stars
4 Stars
3 Stars
2 Stars
1 Star
28
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2
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1
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 5 years ago
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 5 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 5 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 6 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 5 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 5 years ago
Pears for Alaska
Robust first summer last year. Are up and flourishing in May
May 12, 2016
Purchased
 over 5 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 5 years ago
Very tasty
This is my favorite of all the trees in my backyard orchard. They are so juicy and tasty.
May 14, 2016
Purchased
 over 5 years ago
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!
May 16, 2017
Purchased
 over 4 years ago

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