Bartlett Pear Tree

The Bartlett Pear Tree is a timeless beauty. Pear trees have a history that stretches back for thousands of years, with a rich tradition of cultivation in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, making them a cherished addition to gardens around the world. Common or European Pears have sweet, succulent fruit that have been cultivated dating back to the Neolithic and Bronze Age. Common Pear trees are cold-hardy and deciduous, growing 15-30 feet tall. They produce glossy green leaves and an abundance of delicious, crisp, and sweet pears. Enjoy the shade and visual appeal provided by the attractive white foliage and springtime blossoms of pear trees.

Also Known As: Common Pear, Domestic Pear, European Pear, Williams Pear Tree, Kirschensaller, Ornamental Fruit Tree.

Plant Name:	Tree, European Pear "Bartlett"
Latin Name:	Pyrus communis 'Bartlett'
Days to Germinate:	14-28
Years to Fruit:	4 - 5 Years
Plant Height:	15 - 50 Feet
Spread:	10 - 30 Feet
Growth Habit:	Upright
USDA Zones:	4-9
Lifespan:	Perennial
Brand:	TomorrowSeeds
Sunlight:	Full Sun, Partial Shade
Pollination:	Heirloom, Open-Pollinated
GMO:	No
Fungicide-Treated Seeds*:	No
Seeds Packed For**:	2025

*Fungicide-treated seeds protect the seedlings from diseases until they are up and growing. Do not eat treated seeds.
**Seeds are freshly packed for the growing season of the year listed. Seeds are still viable beyond pack date. Store in a cool and dry location such as the refrigerator or basement to best preserve germination rates.

Planting Instructions:

Soil Preparation:

Choose a clear, sunny location that is not in the shade of other trees and receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Trees establish roots better in sandy, well-drained soils rather than heavy, poorly drained soil. Remove weeds, large rocks, and litter from the planting area. Leave small weeds and dead grass, they will enrich the soil when turned under. Spade or till the soil 6-8 inches deep. Loosening the soil will help the plant establish strong roots. If the soil is heavy or clay-like, mix in some sand or compost to improve drainage. Optionally, either form rows of soil beds or hills 4-6 inches high and at least 20 feet apart. This formation of ridges will help with drainage, ensure good airflow, and make harvesting or maintenance easier.

Planting:

Starting Indoors: Seeds require cold, moist stratification to break dormancy. To stratify, roll seeds in a damp paper towel and place in a resealable bag. Place the bag in the refrigerator to keep seeds at 35F-40F for 60 days, mimicking winter conditions. After the stratification period, seeds should be ready to germinate. To germinate seeds, place the bags in a warm 70F-90F area. After 10 days, plant the seeds in small pots with moist potting soil and place the pots in a warm, sunny location. Keep the soil moist, allowing the top inch of soil to dry in between waterings.

Once the seedlings have developed a few sets of leaves and are at least 6 inches in height, harden off seedlings then transplant outdoors in the spring, in a sunny location when temperatures are consistently above 60F. To transplant seedlings, prepare a transplant hole outdoors in a sunny, permanent location. Remove the plants carefully from the pots or flats and set them in the transplant holes, burying some of the stem in the ground. Pack the soil loosely around the plant and leave a slightly sunken area around each plant to hold water. Water the plants after transplanting.

Directly Sowing: If directly sowing outdoors, plant seeds in late summer to naturally cold-stratify seeds. To plant, make holes 1 inch deep and spaced 10-20 feet apart down the rows of raised beds. Plant 1 seed per hole, then cover thinly with soil. Seedbeds can be covered with plastic film to promote germination. Water after planting.

Planting Depth:	1 inch
Within-Row Spacing:	10-20 feet
Between-Row Spacing:	20 feet

Care During the Season:

Pear trees can produce fruit for many years with care. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Young trees need consistent watering, especially in dry periods, but mature trees are more drought-tolerant. Fertilize the young trees with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer once a year to encourage healthy growth, but avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to excessive leaf growth instead of fruit. Mulching around the base of the tree helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. As the trees grow, prune any damaged or competing stems to shape the tree and ensure a strong structure. Be patient, as pear trees grown from seed can take several years to mature and start bearing fruit.

Harvesting:

Pick Bartlett pears when the pears develop a slight yellow color (though they may still have a greenish tint) and begin to soften slightly at the base, near the stem, typically around late August to September. The texture should be firm but yield to gentle pressure, as the fruit will continue to ripen off the tree. To determine when to harvest, gently lift a pear and twist it off the tree. The fruit should come off easily, and the stem should not be too fibrous. It's important to harvest Bartlett pears early to avoid over-ripening and mushiness. After harvesting, the pears should be placed in a cool, dry area to ripen fully at room temperature over the course of several days.