Bartlett Pear Tree

Bartlett Pear Tree Overview

The Bartlett pear tree is very popular among growers because of its great adaptability to different climates, soils, and situations. Tree is medium in size, tall, pyriform, upright, and very productive. It blooms in mid-season. However the trees are susceptible to fire blight.

Its fruit is also large, yellow, pink-blushed and has smooth, firm flesh. In fact this makes it perfect for fresh eating and canning. It ripens in mid-season but you will need to store the fruit immediately at 1° C (30° F) until a week before use. This is because rapid removal of the field heat and the pears prompt cooling help improve long-term storage. In fact, the maximum storage period for Bartlett at -1° C is about 2½-3 months. Bartlett is a good pollinizer for most other pears, but is not compatible with Seckel and AC Harrow Crisp. Lastly, it grows well in hardiness zones 5-8.

History

Bartlett pear tree is a European pear tree variety. According to Hedrick, Mr. Stair discovered Bartlett pears as wildings in Aldermaston, Berkshire England. Then, Mr. Williams, a nurseryman of Turham, Middlesex, acquired it and distributed it under the name of Williams Bon Chretien. Afterwards, James Carter brought it to the United States under this name in 1797 or 1799 for Thomas Brewer of Roxbury, Massachusetts. In 1817, Enoch Bartlett of Dorchester, Massachusetts acquired the Brewer property, and not knowing the variety’s true identity, propagated it under his own name. Therefore it became known in America as Bartlett. Currently, Bartlett pear trees are 70% of commercial pear production in North America and are also very popular in Europe.

Growing Characteristics

Hardiness zone: 5-8
Chill Hours: 800
Bloom time: mid-season