Description
Red Bartlett is a naturally occurring red-skinned mutation of the classic Bartlett pear, offering the same sweet, aromatic, buttery flavor but with striking crimson coloration.
The fruit turns from red to a deeper, vibrant shade as it ripens, adding ornamental beauty to the tree and exceptional appeal in the kitchen. Grafted onto a semi-dwarfing rootstock, Red Bartlett grows to a compact 12–15 ft tree that is easy to maintain, prune, and harvest. Like the traditional Bartlett, this variety is well-loved for fresh eating, canning, and dehydrating—and its bold red color brings added value to fruit bowls and preserves. Red Bartlett is partially self-fertile, meaning it will produce some fruit on its own. However, yields improve significantly when paired with another European pear such as Anjou, Bosc, Orcas, or Comice planted within 20–30 feet.
Overview
- Sweet, aromatic fruit with striking red skin.
- Semi-dwarf size ideal for small home orchards.
- Excellent for fresh eating, dehydrating, and canning.
- Partially self-fertile; heavier crops with a pollinator.
- Reliable producer with classic Bartlett flavor.
Growing Details
Latin Name: Pyrus communis ‘Red Bartlett’
Site and Soil: 1/2 day to full day of sun; prefers well-drained soil
Rootstock: OHxF 97 (semi-dwarf)
Hardiness: USDA Zone 5–9
Bearing Age: 1–3 years
Size at Maturity: 12–15 ft — compact, easy to manage
Bloom Time: Mid-season
Ripening Time: Late August to September
Pollination: Partially self-fertile; higher yields with a pollinator
Pests & Diseases: Improved vigor and tolerance on semi-dwarfing rootstock
Yield: Heavy, consistent cropping
Additional Notes
- Nerdy fact: Red Bartlett originated from a natural bud mutation and was first propagated in the 1940s—one of the earliest examples of a widely successful “sport” in pears.
- Fruit transitions from bright red to deeper tones as it ripens—great for visual harvest cues.
- Semi-dwarfing rootstock keeps the tree’s height easier to manage for pruning and harvesting.
- Explore more pear varieties in our collection: Pear Trees
