goodground, for me the Asians pears bloom started a week ago. Some of the european pears are now blooming as the last Asian flowers are popping open. So in my area every year I see Asian and European pears bloom overlap. I've got four beehives which makes it a cinch that I will thin out thousands of little pears.

Get the Korean Giant and graft another Asian on it if your Euro pears bloom later. Here, in southeastern NY, Seckel blooms close enough to cross pollinate with KG and other Asians. Korean Giant is the only AP I consider worth growing here in a small orchard. Of course a lot of people would disaggree.

I planted a KG this year. I'm relying on its self fertility to give me some pears, while at the same time limiting the amount of thinning I'll have to do on it. -Glenn

I've heard none of the asians are self-fertile. Of course I've heard a lot of stuff about self-fetility. It often has to do with weather and it's not really self-fertility but the ability to bear fruit carpenocarthicly (something close to that)- fruit without seeds. Most of the Euros can do this if spring weather is warm enough but not in NJ most seasons. Are Asians also capable?

Hi Harvestman-
Ok, now you've made me go and do research... where did I get a crazy idea like that?
After about 10 minutes of Googling, I came across a thread that is representative of why I started thinking along those lines. (See link below) Check out the comments by Fruitnut and the follow-up by Jellyman.
Also, when I presented that idea as part of my Asian Pear plan in this thread, nobody balked at it.
Perhaps self-fertility is the wrong term here? Should I revisit this part of my plan? Worst case, IÂll just graft on another variety or two.
Thanks,
-Glenn

Here is a link that might be useful: Pollinator necessary for Asian Pear?

Oops, looks like the inline link for my other thread didn't work. Adding link below. -Glenn

Here is a link that might be useful: Asian Pear in Rhode Island?