How to Plant Asian Pear Tree from Seed
Asian pears are sweet and juicy fruits that are a great addition to any garden. They are also called pear-apples, Nashi pears or Chinese pears. If you want to plant an Asian pear tree, you don't need to go buy a sapling. Instead, you can grow them from seeds. In this article, we will guide you on how to plant an Asian pear tree from seed.
Step 1: Choosing the Right Seeds
Before you start planting, you need to choose the right seeds. The best way to get seeds is to eat the fruit and save the seeds. Choose a ripe and healthy Asian pear fruit to extract the seeds. Make sure you rinse the seeds well and let them dry for a day or two.
Step 2: Prepare the Soil
Once you have your seeds, you need to prepare the soil. Before planting, loosen the soil where you want to plant your tree. Remove any rocks, debris or weeds that could compete with your tree for nutrients. If your soil is clay-based, add sand or grit to make it well-draining.
Step 3: Plant the Seeds
After you have prepared the soil, dig a hole about an inch deep for each seed. Plant the seeds with the pointed end facing down. Cover the seeds with soil and lightly pat it. Water the soil gently but thoroughly. The seeds should germinate within two to three weeks.
Step 4: Watering and Fertilizing
After the seeds have germinated, it's important to keep the soil moist. Water the seedlings once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions. If the soil becomes dry, the seedlings may die. Fertilize the seedlings with a balanced fertilizer after they have grown two sets of leaves, and repeat the process every two to four weeks until the tree starts to fruit.
Step 5: Transplanting
After about a year, the seedlings will be ready to transplant. Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Make sure you prepare the soil beforehand, as described in Step 2. Dig a hole that is twice as big as the seedling's root ball. Make sure the hole is deep enough to accommodate the roots. Gently remove the seedling from its pot and place it in the hole. Cover the root ball with soil and lightly pat it. Water the tree immediately.
Conclusion
Asian pear trees are easy to grow from seeds if you have patience and follow the steps outlined in this article. Be mindful that growing from seed takes time and requires attention to the seedlings' needs. Once the tree bears fruit, the rewards will be sweet and juicy. Happy planting!