Common Pear ‘Bartlett’ is an enormously popular cultivar of pear tree, loved for its delicious and plentiful fruit. It is a very reliable and commercially viable cultivar. In some parts of the world, like the UK, it is known as a Williams pear.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
A long-standing favorite, Pyrus communis ‘Bartlett’ is a multi-purpose cultivar with a profusion of fragrant, creamy white flowers in early mid-season (early-mid spring). Draped in clusters along the branches, they are truly a sight to behold. They are followed in late summer to early fall by a heavy crop of medium to large, thin-skinned, yellow pears adorned with a short neck. Their white flesh is smooth, juicy, very sweet and tender. They are perfect for eating, canning and preserves. The fruits will keep for up to 3 months if stored properly.
Bartlett is partially self-fertile and requires pollination by a tree of another variety with the same bloom period such as Moonglow or Orient. The foliage of elliptic glossy green leaves turns pretty shades of red and yellow in fall. Discovered in 1797, this heirloom pear variety is still ranked #1 worldwide. The tree is productive and reliable. Beautiful in bloom, handsome in full leaf, heavy with luscious pears, attractive in fall, picturesque in winter, pear trees are very rewarding additions to the landscape across the seasons.
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight
Common pear ‘Bartlett’ needs full sun to produce a good fruit set, so plant it in an open, unshaded spot in the garden. At least 8 hours of full sunlight per day it should receive. Some species and cultivars of Pyrus can stand under partial shade as well.
Temperature
Common pear ‘Bartlett’ is cultivated widely in temperate and sub-tropical climatic conditions as it is resistant to both cold and heat. It can tolerate temperatures low as -26 ℃when it is dormant ( for some species and cultivars of genus Pyrus this can be even lower) and high as 45 ℃ in the growing season. Frost in spring is detrimental, and temperatures of 3 ℃ and less can kill open flowers, leading to fewer fruits.
It prefers medium or slightly dry conditions and demands little on humidity or watering. It is quite drought-tolerant once it established, but it may not be the case with waterlogging, so a site on higher ground or one not prone to waterlogging will be favorable for it.
Watering
Originating from temperate regions, common pear ‘Bartlett’ thrives with consistent moisture similar to its native climate. It exhibits a preference for well-drained soil and moderate humidity, balancing its need for water without becoming waterlogged. Regular watering is key, aligning with twice a week to maintain its hydration levels. As an outdoor deciduous tree, common pear ‘Bartlett’ requires careful attention to watering during its active growing season to support both foliage and fruit development.
Soil
Common pear ‘Bartlett’ grows in a wide range of soils, even sandy or chalky soils, but however, loamy soil can be the best. It does well in soils that are well aerated and well-drained, which is why they sometimes need slopes. Common pear ‘Bartlett’ also likes slightly acidic to neutral soils (6.1-7.3), especially soil with a pH near 7, although some other species and cultivars can grow well in slightly alkaline soil.
Fertilizing
For optimal health, fertilize common pear ‘Bartlett’ with balanced nutrition fertilizers in spring to support vigorous growth, shifting to high-nitrogen fertilizers post-harvest to enhance next year’s fruiting. Apply every 2-3 weeks during active growth, reducing frequency in winter. Use recommended label rates, avoiding over-fertilization to prevent root damage. Seasonal adjustments are crucial; increase nitrogen in early stages for strong shoots and leaves, balanced feed during fruit development. Always water common pear ‘Bartlett’ before fertilizing to prevent burn. This tailored approach ensures common pear ‘Bartlett”s robust growth and bountiful harvests.
Planting Instructions
Growing conditions for common pear ‘Bartlett’ are fairly simple. It is not a fussy plant and not difficult to grow. You can start with a seedling purchased in a nearby nursery or online. Seedlings that are one year old can be transplanted into your garden where soils are well-drained in mid-winter. Space your trees 6 to 8 m apart to ensure air circulation.
Although some species can self-fertilize, you are recommended to plant at least two trees in the garden or orchard so that they can cross-pollinate to produce fruits. Notice that although different species and varieties can generally interbreed without compatibility issues, if you want to interbreed, ensure your trees are blooming at a similar time first.
If you want to grow your common pear ‘Bartlett’ in containers, you are recommended to choose dwarf cultivars. Choose a large container at least twice as big as the root ball of your tree. Fill the pot with soil after putting the tree inside. You can place the pot where under full sun then.
Pruning
The best time to prune common pear ‘Bartlett’ is when the tree is dormant from winter till early spring, after leaf fall and before bud-formation. The central leader method is popularly used, to reduce old woody growth that is not productive to improve yields of the fruit. Never remove more than 25% of branches. This can be applied to pot trees as well.
Propagation
Common pear ‘Bartlett’ is typically propagated through cuttings to ensure genetic uniformity and quality of fruit. Select healthy, mature stems for cutting and use a rooting hormone to encourage root development. Make sure the cuts are clean and the growth medium is well-draining. Providing consistent moisture and warmth will support successful root formation. As common pear ‘Bartlett’ may be grafted for improved vigour, consider grafting onto compatible rootstock if seeking to enhance disease resistance or growth traits.
Transplanting
The most favorable time to transplant common pear ‘Bartlett’ is in the charming window from early to mid-spring, as this timing ensures optimal rooting. Choose a sun-drenched, well-drained location for best results.
Pests and Diseases
Keep an eye out for aphids, caterpillars, codling moth, pear blister mite, pear midge and pear and cherry slugworm, pear scab, pear rust, brown rot, blossom wilt and fireblight.
III. Harvesting and Storage
Depending on the variety and species, common pear ‘Bartlett’ takes 3 to 10 years to bear fruits, and the fruits mature by mid-summer to fall. Pears should be harvested when they are mature, but not ripe. They will ripen in storage. An easy way to do this is to put them together with fruits like bananas and apples, since ethylene that those fruits give out can accelerate the ripening. Unripe fruit can be stored in cool temperatures around 4 ℃ in the dark, without any light, for 1 to 2 months. After ripening, the fruit is usually consumed fresh or is processed by drying, pureeing, and canning, depending on your purpose and preference.
