Niitaka Pear

History: The Niitaka Asian pear was developed in Japan as a cross between Amanogawa and Imamuraaki Asian pears in 1915 and was released in 1927. 

Why We Grow It: Niitaka is a popular Japanese variety with large orange-brown fruit that is round and speckled. The flavour is sweet and mild.

Canadian Hardiness Zone: 5

Soil Preference: Sandy loam, loam, clay loam. Prefers average to moist conditions with well-drained soils, avoid planting anywhere that floods for more than two weeks in the spring. 

Growth Habits and Disease Resistance: Upright growth pattern, produces good crops. Mildly susceptible to mildew and fireblight. 

Sun/Shade: Full sun (approx. 8-10 hours of sun daily)

Pollination: Requires a pollinator of a different pear variety (European or Asian) that blooms around the same time  

Flowering Time: Middle

Ripens: Late October

Storage: Keeps until February when stored in cool, humid conditions

Recommended Use: Fresh eating

Size including roots:

• 100-200 cm whip, 1 year grade
• 100 cm+ with 3 or more branches, 30 cm or more, 2 year grade
• 50-80 cm, B-grade