Southern Bartlett Pear Tree is a low-chill Southern selection that produces sweet, juicy pears with the familiar shape and flavor associated with Bartlett pears. The fruit has smooth green skin that becomes more yellow as it ripens, along with tender flesh and a rich, refreshing pear flavor. This variety was reportedly discovered growing on an old Louisiana homestead and is valued for its long flowering period, low winter-chill requirement, and improved suitability for warm Southern growing regions. Southern Bartlett pears are delicious for fresh eating and are also well suited for canning, preserves, baking, desserts, pear butter, and other homemade recipes. PLANT DETAILS • Botanical name: Pyrus communis ‘Southern Bartlett’• Pear type: Low-chill European-type pear• Fruit size: Medium to large• Fruit color: Green, becoming yellow as it ripens• Flavor: Sweet, rich, and very juicy• Texture: Tender with a smooth, pleasant texture• Harvest season: Generally early to mid-August, depending on weather and location• Mature size: Approximately 15–20 feet tall and wide, depending on rootstock and pruning• Sun requirements: Full sun with at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight• Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil• Chill requirement: Commonly listed at fewer than approximately 400 chill hours• Pollination: Self-fertile, but another compatible pear may improve production• Disease resistance: Moderate resistance to fire blight• Best uses: Fresh eating, canning, preserves, baking, desserts, and edible landscapes POLLINATION Southern Bartlett is considered self-fertile, which means one tree can produce fruit without another pear variety nearby. However, planting a second compatible pear is still beneficial when space allows. Cross-pollination may increase fruit set and help provide a larger, more dependable crop. Possible pollination partners from our pear selection may include: • Orient Pear• Kieffer Pear• Pineapple Pear• Moonglow Pear• Ayers Pear• Hood Pear• Flordahome Pear The trees must flower at approximately the same time to cross-pollinate successfully. Bloom overlap can vary with winter temperatures, spring weather, and location. Southern Bartlett’s extended bloom period may help it overlap with several Southern pear varieties. NORTH FLORIDA GROWING NOTE Southern Bartlett is different from the standard high-chill Bartlett pear commonly grown in colder commercial pear-producing regions. Its lower reported chill requirement makes it a more promising choice for North Florida, the Florida Panhandle, South Alabama, and nearby Gulf Coast areas. However, it is not included among the pear varieties evaluated in the current UF/IFAS Florida pear guide, so local performance may vary. For the best results: • Plant in full sun• Choose a location with well-drained soil and good air circulation• Avoid low areas where cold air or standing water collects• Water regularly while the tree becomes established• Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer• Watch for fire-blight symptoms during warm, wet spring weather• Plant another compatible pear nearby when space allows Southern Bartlett has reported moderate fire-blight resistance, but resistant does not mean immune. Fire blight can still affect pear trees during favorable disease conditions. HARVESTING AND RIPENING Pick Southern Bartlett pears when they are mature but still firm. Like other European-type pears, they generally develop their best flavor and texture when allowed to finish ripening after harvest. Store freshly picked pears in a cool location and allow them to soften gradually. A pear is usually ready to eat when the flesh near the neck gives slightly under gentle pressure. Local Pickup & Limited Shipping Local pickup is available for most plants and trees at our nursery in DeFuniak Springs, Florida. Limited shipping may be available for select trees, liners, and smaller plants in 3-gallon containers or smaller. Shipping availability depends on the plant variety, size, quantity, destination, and packaging requirements. Shipping charges are calculated separately. Please contact us before ordering if shipping is needed to confirm that the plant can be shipped and to receive the current shipping cost. Advanced Nursery Growers LLC1911 McLeod RoadDeFuniak Springs, FL 32435Phone: 850-391-2228Email: [email protected]: www.AdvancedNurseryGrowers.com Wholesale pricing is available for qualified nurseries. Please contact Advanced Nursery Growers for current availability and wholesale pricing.
