All About Red Bartlett Pears: A Guide for Gardeners
What are Red Bartlett Pears?
Imagine pears with the classic Bartlett pear shape and all that wonderful sweetness, but in hues of blazing red. That’s right, Red Bartlett pears are a real thing!
Red Bartlett pear trees are a beautiful addition to any garden, and they’re also quite easy to grow. They produce typical “pear-shaped” pears, with a rounded bottom, a definitive shoulder, and a small stem end. But unlike their yellow-green cousins, Red Bartlett pears are a vibrant shade of red.
The Red Bartlett pear was discovered as a “bud sport” shoot that developed spontaneously on a yellow Bartlett tree in Washington in 1938. The pear variety was then cultivated by pear growers and has become a popular choice for home gardeners.
How Do Red Bartlett Pears Change Color?
Most pears remain the same color from immaturity to maturity. However, Red Bartlett pears change color as they ripen, turning from a dark red to a brilliant red. This is because Red Bartlett pears contain a higher concentration of anthocyanins, which are pigments that give fruits and vegetables their red, purple, and blue colors.
When to Harvest Red Bartlett Pears
The Red Bartlett pear harvest starts in late August or early September. You can eat Red Bartletts before they are ripe for a crunchy, tart texture, or you can wait until ripening is over and the big pears are sweet and juicy.
How to Grow Red Bartlett Pears
If you’re wondering how to grow Red Bartlett pears, remember that these pear trees only grow well in USDA plant hardiness zone 4 or 5 through 8. So, if you live in these zones, you can start growing Red Bartlett in your home orchard.
For best results, plan on growing Red Bartlett pear trees in a full sun area of your garden. The trees require well-drained soil, and prefer loam with a pH level of 6.0 to 7.0. Like all fruit trees, they need regular irrigation and occasional feeding.
While you may be dreaming of the Red Bartlett pear harvest when you plant your trees, you will have to wait a while. The average time for the Red Bartlett pear to bear fruit is four to six years. Don’t worry though, the harvest is coming!
Red Bartlett Pear Planting Tips
- Choose a sunny spot in your garden with well-drained soil.
- Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball of your tree and just as deep.
- Place the tree in the hole and backfill with soil, tamping down gently to remove any air pockets.
- Water the tree deeply and mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Red Bartlett Pear Care Guide
- Water your Red Bartlett pear tree regularly, especially during hot and dry weather.
- Fertilize your tree in the spring and fall with a balanced fertilizer.
- Prune your tree in the winter or early spring to remove any dead or diseased branches and to shape the tree.
Red Bartlett Pear Growing Problems
Red Bartlett pear trees are relatively easy to grow, but they can be susceptible to a few common problems, including:
- Pear scab: This fungal disease causes brown or black spots on the leaves and fruit of pear trees.
- Pear psylla: These small insects can damage pear trees by feeding on the leaves and fruit.
- Fire blight: This bacterial disease can kill pear trees quickly.
Red Bartlett Pear Pests and Diseases
Red Bartlett pear trees can be susceptible to a few common pests and diseases, including:
- Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects can suck the sap from pear leaves and fruit.
- Codling moth: The larvae of this moth can tunnel into pear fruit, causing it to rot.
- Pear rust mite: These tiny mites can cause brown or yellow spots on pear leaves.
Red Bartlett Pear Recipes
Red Bartlett pears are a versatile fruit that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Here are a few of our favorite Red Bartlett pear recipes:
- Red Bartlett Pear Pie: This classic dessert is made with fresh Red Bartlett pears, sugar, and spices.
- Red Bartlett Pear Crisp: This easy-to-make dessert is made with Red Bartlett pears, oats, sugar, and spices.
- Red Bartlett Pear Salad: This refreshing salad is made with Red Bartlett pears, arugula, goat cheese, and walnuts.
With their beautiful red color, sweet taste, and easy-to-grow nature, Red Bartlett pears are a great choice for any home gardener. So, if you’re looking for a new fruit to add to your garden, be sure to give Red Bartlett pears a try!
