Known for their juicy, delicious fruits, Bartlett pear trees are a delight to all senses. They sport white blooms in early spring and lovely green leaves that turn yellow in fall.
The Bartlett pear, also known as 'Williams,' is a cultivar of Pyrus communis, the European or common pear. It's been popular since the late 1700s.
Propagation of Bartlett pear trees is typically done through grafting and budding, or stem cutting propagation. This ensures the offspring bear the same delicious fruits as the parent tree.
Bartlett pear trees thrive in USDA Hardiness Zones 5 to 7. They require full sun exposure and deep, well-draining, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0.
Regular pruning keeps your pear tree healthy and attractive. Remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches as needed, and shape the tree in early spring before bud break.
Bartlett pears should be harvested when fully formed, yet still green and firm. After picking, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two months.
They can be eaten raw, used in preserves, syrups, salads, or desserts, and even substituted for apples in many recipes. Enjoy the sweet taste of your homegrown pears!