Will Asian Pears Grow From Cuttings?

Propagation

• It is possible to use cuttings for propagating new Asian pear trees, as recommended by Howard Garrett in "Howard Garrett's Plants for Texas." The Washington State University Extension website cites the use of hardwood cuttings for propagating all pear varieties.

Taking Cuttings

• The recommended time to take hardwood cuttings from Asian pear trees is during fall. Hardwood cuttings are taken from the mature wood of current year's growth. The cuttings are taken immediately after the leaves have fallen during late fall and early winter. Using a sharp scissors, take 9- to 24-inch-long stems from healthy branches. Make a straight cut at the bottom.

Planting Method

• In moist and fertile garden soil, create planting holes by pushing a garden fork at a depth of about 6 inches in the soil. Plant one cutting per hole and insert cuttings two-thirds length deep in the ground. Press soil around cuttings and water well. The base of these cuttings will develop a callus over the winter and roots will eventually start to grow from this callus. Keep soil moist over the rooting period. Protect the foliage on newly rooted cuttings from possible damage from frost in spring. Transfer plants to permanent spot in the garden once plants are sturdier in growth.

Growth Conditions

• Asian pears adapt well to a variety of well-drained soil types with a preferred pH ranging between 6.2 to 6.8. Though the tree does tolerate some period of excessive soil moisture, the roots are affected if allowed to remain under water consistently for several days. Plant pears in a warm area that receives full sun and is not likely to develop frost pockets during winter. The early blooming flowers are highly susceptible to early spring frosts. Best time to transfer trees to permanent site is during the dormant growth period in fall and winter.