Planting & Care for Bartlett Pear Tree (Pyrus communis 'Bartlett')
Planting:
- Choose a location with well-drained soil and full sunlight.
- Plant the tree in the early spring while it is still dormant.
- Dig a hole that is twice the width of the root ball and just as deep.
- Place the tree in the hole so that the graft union (the bulge where the trunk meets the roots) is 2-3 inches above the soil level.
- Fill the hole with soil and water well.
- Mulch around the base of the tree to retain moisture and suppress weeds, but keep the mulch away from the trunk.
Care:
- Water the tree deeply once a week, especially during hot, dry spells.
- Fertilize the tree in the spring with a balanced fertilizer, following the package instructions.
- Prune the tree in late winter to remove any dead, diseased, or crossing branches.
- Thin the fruit as soon as it reaches the size of a dime, leaving only one fruit per cluster to ensure larger, healthier fruit.
- Harvest the fruit when it is still firm but has a yellowish-green color. Store in the refrigerator until fully ripe.
With proper planting and care, your Bartlett Pear Tree will provide delicious fruit for years to come!