Bartlett Pear

Pyrus communis 'Bartlett'

1. Bartlett Pears have a classic pear shape with a smooth, yellow-green skin that turns yellow as it ripens. The flesh is creamy-white, juicy, and has a sweet flavor with a hint of tartness. They are excellent for eating fresh, canning, baking, and making preserves.

2. Harvesting: Bartlett Pears are typically harvested when they are still firm and green. They continue to ripen off the tree, so it's important to pick them a little early to prevent them from becoming too soft and mushy. Once harvested, they can be stored at room temperature until they reach the desired ripeness.

3. Growing Conditions: Bartlett Pears thrive in full sun, requiring at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. They prefer well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. Adequate water drainage is important to prevent root rot.

MAINTENANCE NEEDS:  High Maintenance. Needs regular watering.  Pears are particularly prone to fire blight, especially after wet and warm springs.  Other issues include canker, powdery mildew, scab, and anthracnose.  Possible pests include pear psylla, coddling moth and borers.  Fallen fruit can be messy if not harvested.

 LANDSCAPE USES:  Accents or Group Plantings, Borders, Wildlife Garden, Naturalized Areas, Ponds and Streams, Edible Gardens, and Containers.

COMPANION PLANTS: Thyme, Bee Balm, Corsican Mint 

IMAGE: Forest & Kim Starr, Starr-140114-3142-Pyrus communis-Bartlett fruit-Hawea Pl Olinda-Maui (24943157530), CC BY 3.0 US

* As plants have ranges in appearance they may not appear as the images shown.