Bartlett Pear, also known as Williams Pear, is a versatile, hearty pear tree that grows a smooth skinned, yellow fruit that is firm, juicy, and has flavors of honey and slight spice. The Bartlett Pear Tree grows quickly and a well cared for tree in the proper location can begin to produce fruit as soon as 4 to 6 years. Bartlett Pear Trees have white blooms in spring, and the large fruit is ripe in late August.
Bartlett Pear Trees can be successfully grown in the ground in USDA Zones 5 to 8. They like moist but well drained soil, 800 chill hours, and full sun to achieve the best results. Bartlett Pear Trees also require a pollinator, so a companion pear tree should be planted within 50 feet as well. Bartlett Pear Trees reach 18 to 20 feet tall and spread to about 13 feet wide.
Bartlett Pear Trees grow fast. When planted in the ground with good sunlight and adequate water and nutrition, a Bartlett Pear Tree will add up to 2 feet of height per year. Bartlett Pear Trees need soil that drains well and cosistent watering, especially in the growing season. Bartlett Pear Trees are not drought tolerant, and supplemental water must be given to the tree in periods of extended dry weather.
To help your Bartlett Pear Tree survive dry times, water once per week or when the soil is dry to 3 inches below the surface. When watering, it is best to give the tree a long, slow watering. This encourages deep roots and overall tree health. These deeper roots are the first defense against severely dry conditions. Another thing you can do is keep the area below the tree and out to the branch perimeter free of weeds and grass. Organic mulch can help the soil retain moisture while discouraging weeds.
Fruit & Harvesting
Bartlett Pear Trees produce large yellow pears with slight maroon or bronze blush on ripe fruits. The flesh is bright white, juicy, and mild with a honey sweetness and gentle spicy notes. The fruit is perfect for eating fresh, canning, cooking, and making baked goods and desserts. The ripe pears can be stored for up to 3 months in a cool, dry location that has good air circulation. Harvest ripe Bartlett Pears between late August and early September.
Blooms will appear on Bartlett Pear Trees just before leaves emerge in spring. Bartlett Pear Trees bloom white flowers and healthy trees will begin to produce fruit as young trees. Bartlett Pear Trees are extremely long-lived, and some established trees can produce pears for over a hundred years. As fruit begins to deepen in color, do taste tests to select ripe fruits. Once individual fruits begin to ripen, continue to harvest as needed for use until the fruiting season ends and all fruit is finally removed.
Growing Zones
Advice
Bartlett Pear Trees grow in a natural upright oval shape. When pruning, do so in late winter and try to maintain this existing oval form. Start by pruning the top most branches, and work your way down and around the tree. Cut away between 1 and 3 feet of height on each branch. Make cuts with sharp clean branch trimmers and always clean tools between trimming different trees.
Also be sure to remove any dead or soft wood as you prune your Bartlett Pear Tree. Collect any pruned branches and shred them for use as mulch or compost. Do not allow cut or fallen branches to collect at the base of a Bartlett Pear Tree. This can invite pests, encourage fungi, and lead to diseases being transferred to an otherwise healthy tree.
FAQs
Do Bartlett Pear Trees have thorns?
No, Bartlett Pear Trees do not have thorns on the branches. The leaves do have small teeth along their edges, so it is a good idea to wear long sleeves and gloves when pruning or harvesting fruit from the tree.
From where do Bartlett Pear Trees originate?
The Bartlett Pear Tree, growing as a wild tree in England, was first discovered by John Stair in 1770. Cuttings made their way to America and the fruit was first grown there in Massachusetts.
Where can you grow a Bartlett Pear Tree?
You can grow a Bartlett Pear Tree in USDA Growing Zones 5 to 8.
Does the Bartlett Pear Tree need a pollinator?
Yes, Bartlett Pear Trees need a pollinator tree to grow fruit. Pollinate with any another European Pear variety, except Kieffer Pear, which is not suggested as a pollinator for Bartlett Pear.
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