Pear (Asian), Shinseiki, Bare Root

Pear (Asian), Shinseiki (Pyrus pyrifolia ‘Shinseiki’)

Shinseiki, meaning “New Century” in Japanese, is a highly productive early-ripening Asian pear known for its smooth yellow skin, crisp white flesh, and refreshingly sweet, mild flavor. The fruit is round and apple-like in shape with a clean, juicy bite that’s perfect for fresh eating right off the tree. It ripens in early to mid-August, making it one of the earliest Asian pears to harvest, and stores well under refrigeration for several weeks.

Shinseiki is self-fertile, making it a great choice for small orchards or home gardeners with limited space. However, like most Asian pears, it benefits from the presence of another variety (such as Hosui, Chojuro, or 20th Century) to increase yields. Hardy and low-maintenance, this tree thrives in USDA Zones 5–9, blooms early in spring with pollinator-attracting white flowers, and integrates beautifully into food forests, fruit tree guilds, and permaculture plantings.

Key Characteristics

• Crisp, juicy fruit with mild sweetness
  Shinseiki pears have smooth, yellow skin and firm, crisp flesh with a refreshing, mildly sweet flavor. Excellent for fresh eating, fruit salads, or light preserving.
• Early-season harvest with good storage
  Ripens in early to mid-August, making it one of the earliest Asian pears. Stores well for 4–6 weeks in cool conditions while retaining crunch and flavor.
• Self-fertile and space-efficient
  Does not require another tree to produce fruit, but cross-pollination with other Asian pears like Hosui or 20th Century will improve productivity. A great option for compact orchards.
• Pollinator-friendly and ornamental
  Covered in white blossoms in early spring that provide nectar for bees and beneficial insects. The tidy growth habit and showy blooms make it a beautiful multi-use tree.
• Versatile role in regenerative plantings
  Its compact form and early ripening make it ideal for succession planting in food forests and orchard guilds. Works well with nitrogen fixers, groundcovers, and aromatic herbs to support a healthy, biodiverse ecosystem.

Product Details

• Sun requirements: Full sun
• Soil requirements: Medium, well-drained
• Bloom time: Early spring
• Bloom color: White
• Fruit qualities: Smooth yellow skin, crisp white flesh, mild and sweet, round shape
• Fruit uses: Fresh eating, salads, light preserving
• Fruit ripening month: Early to mid-August
• Required chill hours: ~400–600
• Pollination requirements: Self-fertile; better yields with another Asian pear nearby
• Pollination partners: Hosui, Chojuro, 20th Century, Ya Li
• USDA Hardiness zones: 5–9

Shinseiki offers a crisp, refreshing pear experience early in the season with minimal care and beautiful spring blooms. It’s a perfect fit for edible landscapes, home orchards, and permaculture-inspired plantings.