How to Grow Bartlett Pear - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Bartlett pear is a deciduous fruit tree that is grown in temperate climates. The tree typically grows to a height of 20-30 feet and has a spreading canopy. The leaves are ovate-shaped and have a toothed margin. The white flowers are borne in clusters and bloom in the spring. The fruit is yellow or greenish-yellow, and ripens in the late summer or early fall. Bartlett pears are typically eaten fresh, but can also be used in cooking.

How to Grow Bartlett Pear - Plant Care & Tips

Also called

  • plant family: Rosaceae
  • scientific name: Pyrus communis
  • common name: European pear
  • other common names: common pear, English pear, French pear
  • alternative names: winter pear, barlett pear, williams pear

Basic info

  • The Bartlett pear is one of the most popular varieties of pear in the United States.
  • Bartlett pears are medium to large in size and have a round, oblong shape.
  • They have a smooth, delicate skin that ranges in color from green to yellowish-green as they ripen.
  • Bartlett pears are considered a winter pear, as they are typically harvested from September to October.
  • When ripe, Bartlett pears are sweet and juicy with a soft, buttery flesh.
  • Bartlett pears can be eaten fresh, canned, or used in recipes.
  • They are a good source of dietary fiber and vitamins C and K.
  • Bartlett pears may be stored in the refrigerator for up to three months.
  • The Bartlett pear was first cultivated in England in the early 1800s.
  • It is named after a man named Richard Bartlett who brought the pear to the United States in 184

Growing Steps

  1. For bartlett pear, first step is to get a tree.
  2. Then you will need to plant the tree.
  3. After the tree is planted, water it regularly.
  4. The tree will need to be fertilized annually.
  5. Prune the tree as needed.
  6. The tree will need to be pollinated.
  7. Once the fruit has ripened, harvest it.
  8. Store the bartlett pears properly.
  9. Enjoy your pears!

The Soil

About soil condition, the best type of soil for Bartlett pear trees is deep, well-drained, sandy loam with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. The tree does not tolerate clay soil or wet, poorly drained soils. Amending the planting area with organic matter such as compost or peat moss is helpful in improving drainage and increasing nutrient availability and retention.

Light requirement

Not too different with other fruit trees, bartlett pear trees need full sun to produce the most fruit. They will still produce fruit in partial shade, but not as much. The amount of sun bartlett pear trees need each day depends on the climate they are growing in. In warm climates, they need at least 8 hours of sun per day. In cooler climates, they need at least 6 hours of sun per day.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition is perfect for Bartlett pears. They are grown in temperate climates and need cool winters to develop their full flavor. The fruit ripens best on the tree and should be picked before the first frost.

Humidity Aspect

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is between 40% to 60%. Bartlett pears require a good amount of water to thrive, but too much moisture in the air can lead to problems with the fruit. The skin of the pear can become blotchy and the flesh can decay. If the humidity is too low, the pears will not develop as much flavor.

The Fertilizer

Discussing fertilizer, this kind of plant food is important for a healthy plant. There are different ways to provide nutrients to your plants, and the type of fertilizer you use will be based on the needs of the plant. For bartlett pear trees, a good rule of thumb is to use a fertilizer with a 3-1-2 NPK ratio. This means that the fertilizer contains three parts nitrogen, one part phosphorus, and two parts potassium.

About light

Pruning is an important step in maintaining a healthy Bartlett pear tree. By removing dead or diseased branches, you improve air circulation and allow more sunlight to reach the leaves and fruit. Pruning also encourages new growth, which is important for fruiting.

The Propagation

Propagation of bartlett pears is typically done via grafting. A budded or grafted twig is cut from a desired tree and inserted into a slit in the trunk of a rootstock tree. The graft is then bound with tape or grafting wax to hold it in place and encourage the two to fuse together.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate is determined by the particular cultivar planted. However, all varieties grow best in deep, moist, well-drained soils with a slightly acidic pH. They also require full sun for optimal fruit production. Once established, bartlett pears are drought tolerant.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are fire blight, codling moth, and powdery mildew. Fire blight is a bacterial disease that can kill the tree. The codling moth is a caterpillar that bores into the fruit. Powdery mildew is a fungus that can cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off.

List to Know

  • If you live in an area with cold winters, choose a variety of pear that is known to be tolerant of cold weather.
  • Plant your pear tree in a location that gets full sun for at least 6 hours per day.
  • Pear trees require well-drained soil. Add organic matter to the planting hole to improve drainage.
  • Water your pear tree regularly, especially during its first growing season.
  • Fertilize your pear tree yearly with a balanced fertilizer.
  • Prune your pear tree annually to encourage new growth and fruit production.
  • Protect your pear tree from pests and diseases. Check for symptoms regularly and treat accordingly.
  • Harvest your pears when they are ripe. Cut them from the tree with a sharp knife, being careful not to damage the fruit.
  • Store your pears in a cool, dry place.
  • Enjoy your fresh, homegrown p

Similar Plants

  • Bartlett (variety of pear)
  • Bartlettia
  • Bartlettia insignis
  • Bartlettia straminea
  • Bartlettiella
  • Bartlettina
  • Bartlettina sordida
  • Bartlettina stipitata
  • Bartlettodendron
  • Bartlettodendron nitidum

Source:
Emeritus Professor Perry Bartlett - Queensland Brain Institute
People – Soft Materials and Structures Lab - Virginia Tech
Faculty & Instructors | Department of Organizational Leadership, …

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