Red Bartlett is a red-skinned sport of the classic Bartlett pear, arising as spontaneous mutations that give the fruit crimson skin while retaining the parent's shape and flavor. Several strains exist, including Max Red Bartlett and Sensation. The fruits are the same bell shape as standard Bartlett, ripening to a bright red rather than yellow, with the same smooth, juicy, sweet, aromatic white flesh. This makes Red Bartlett attractive for fresh markets and gardens where colorful fruit is desired. Like the standard Bartlett, it is partially self-fertile but crops better with a pollinizer such as Bosc or Anjou, ripens in summer, is picked firm and ripened off the tree, and is susceptible to fire blight. It offers the familiar Bartlett eating quality in an eye-catching red package.
Flavor Profile
The same sweet, aromatic, juicy Bartlett flesh; classic dessert and canning quality in a red-skinned fruit.
Visual Characteristics
Bell-shaped fruit like standard Bartlett but ripening bright crimson-red instead of yellow.
Growing Tips
Grow like standard Bartlett: pick firm and ripen off the tree, pollinize with Bosc or Anjou, and watch for fire blight.
Resistance Information
Disease Resistance
Susceptible to fire blight
Where to Buy
Sourcing information coming soon. Check local nurseries and seed banks for availability.