Cultivar Reference › Stone fruit & pomes › Hybrid Pear 'Tennosui'
Hybrid Pear 'Tennosui'
Pyrus × 'Tennosui'
Matt's 9b field note
“Newly planted hybrid Asian pear — 'Tennosui' is a popular Japanese/Korean-style hybrid cross.”
Background
An American chance seedling, not an Asian import: Harris County, Texas extension agent Bill Adams collected open-pollinated seed of the 'Tennessee' pear around 1992, when the only other pear blooming nearby was the Asian pear 'Hosui' (the presumed pollen parent). Distributed by Dave Wilson Nursery; still uncommon in the trade.
Distinguishing traits
Bell-shaped, crisp Asian-style fruit that stays crisp and resists browning after cutting, with mixed Asian/European flavor notes. Ripens late July to August; shows good fire-blight resistance; self-fruitful.
Desert care — zone 9b
- Chill hours
- Conflicting reports: Dave Wilson lists 150-450 hours; Cricket Hill Garden reports 550-600. Treat as moderate-chill and observe performance.
- Cold hardiness
- USDA zones 6-10 (some sources 5-9).
- Heat tolerance
- Rated excellent heat tolerance; well suited to hot climates.
- Water
- Moderate; deep watering during heat waves.
- Soil
- Wide tolerance but must be well-drained; pH around 6.5 ideal.
- Sun exposure
- Full sun.
Where to buy
- Bay Laurel Nursery
- Edible Landscaping