Pear (European), Bartlett, Bare Root

Pear (European), Bartlett (Pyrus communis ‘Bartlett’)

Bartlett is the most recognized and widely grown European pear in the world, celebrated for its sweet, aromatic flavor and smooth, buttery texture. When harvested firm and ripened off the tree, the fruit develops a rich, juicy consistency that’s ideal for fresh eating, canning, and baking. Ripening in late August to early September, Bartlett pears are medium to large with yellow skin that may blush red when ripe.

This vigorous and productive tree is partially self-fertile, but fruit set is greatly improved when cross-pollinated with compatible varieties like Moonglow, Summer Crisp, or Bosc. Hardy in Zones 5–8, Bartlett thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, and its profuse white spring blooms are highly attractive to early pollinators. While it’s somewhat susceptible to fire blight, proper siting and pruning can help reduce disease pressure — especially in well-ventilated permaculture orchards and fruit tree guilds.

Key Characteristics

• Buttery, sweet flesh and classic pear flavor
  The gold standard for European pears — juicy, smooth, and aromatic. Excellent for fresh eating, preserves, and desserts. Best eaten fully ripe, after softening off the tree.
• Partially self-fertile, best with a pollination partner
  Will produce some fruit alone but crops are heavier when paired with another pear like Moonglow, Bosc, or Summer Crisp. Also a good pollinator for many other European pear varieties.
• Early blooms support pollinators
  Covered in white blossoms in early spring, providing nectar and pollen for bees and beneficial insects at a critical time in the orchard season.
• Reliable yields and vigorous growth
  Consistently productive in a variety of conditions. With proper care and pruning, Bartlett will reward growers with heavy crops year after year.
• Excellent in regenerative orchard systems
  Suitable for integration into food forests, fruit tree guilds, and edible hedgerows. Plant alongside nitrogen fixers, dynamic accumulators, and pest-repelling herbs for a thriving polyculture.

Product Details

• Sun requirements: Full sun
• Soil requirements: Medium, well-drained
• Bloom time: Early spring
• Bloom color: White
• Fruit qualities: Medium to large, yellow skin, sweet, aromatic, buttery flesh
• Fruit uses: Fresh eating, canning, baking, drying
• Fruit ripening month: Late August to early September
• Required chill hours: ~800–1,000
• Pollination requirements: Partially self-fertile; best with Moonglow, Summer Crisp, or Bosc
• USDA Hardiness zones: 5–8

Bartlett remains the go-to European pear for flavor, productivity, and versatility. Whether you're designing a permaculture orchard or adding a classic to your homestead, this timeless tree won't disappoint.