Bartlett, known as Williams or Williams Bon Chretien in Europe, is the world's most widely grown pear, originating in England in the late 1700s and named in the United States after Enoch Bartlett. It is the archetypal pear, accounting for the bulk of canned pear production and a huge share of the fresh market. The medium to large fruits have the classic bell shape, ripening from green to bright golden-yellow, with smooth, juicy, sweet, aromatic white flesh. Bartlett is partially self-fertile but crops far better with a pollinizer such as Bosc or Anjou; it does not cross-pollinate with Bosc-related timing issues in some regions. Like all European pears it is picked mature but unripe and ripened off the tree. It is unfortunately quite susceptible to fire blight.
Flavor Profile
Classic sweet, aromatic, juicy pear flavor with smooth melting white flesh; the benchmark dessert and canning pear.
Visual Characteristics
Medium to large bell-shaped fruit ripening from green to bright golden-yellow.
Growing Tips
Pick mature but firm and ripen off the tree. Cropping improves with a pollinizer such as Anjou; watch for fire blight.
Resistance Information
Disease Resistance
Highly susceptible to fire blight
Where to Buy
Sourcing information coming soon. Check local nurseries and seed banks for availability.