Pear
Bartlett Pollination Guide
Bartlett can set some fruit on its own, but produces significantly better crops with a pollination partner.
While Bartlett has some ability to self-pollinate, you'll get noticeably larger harvests and better fruit quality with a compatible variety planted nearby. For the best results, plant one of the recommended partners within 50–100 feet.
Bartlett Quick Facts
Chill Hours
800 hours
Hardiness Zones
5, 6, 7, 8
Harvest
August to September
Pollination Note
European pears can cross-pollinate Asian pears if bloom times overlap
Planning Your Orchard
Pear trees should be planted within 50–100 feet of a compatible partner. European pears (Bartlett, Anjou, Bosc) cross-pollinate each other well. Asian pears can also be pollinated by European pears if bloom times overlap. Space standard pear trees 20–25 feet apart, or 12–15 feet for dwarf rootstock.
Keep a record of every tree you plant — variety, rootstock, location.
Start your free tree log →Compatible Pollination Partners
Can I Grow Bartlett?
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About Bartlett
Bartlett is the classic American pear — aromatic, buttery, and perfect for fresh eating or canning. It's the pear most people picture when they think 'pear.'
Growing Challenges
Highly susceptible to fire blight (can kill entire trees); needs a pollinator despite some self-fertility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can European pears pollinate Bartlett?
Yes, most European pear varieties can cross-pollinate each other. Good partners for Bartlett include Bosc, D'Anjou, Hosui, Kieffer, Shinseiki.
How close does a pollinator need to be to Bartlett?
For reliable pollination, plant the partner variety within 50–100 feet of Bartlett. Bees are the primary pollinators and typically work within this range. In practice, a tree in your yard or even a neighbor's nearby tree can work. The closer the trees, the more consistent the fruit set.
Can I grow just one Bartlett tree?
You can, but you'll get significantly better harvests with a compatible partner nearby. Bartlett is partially self-fertile — it will set some fruit alone, but cross-pollination dramatically improves yield and fruit quality.
Other Pear Varieties
Related Tools
Pollination Checker
Interactive tool to find compatible pollination partners for any fruit tree.
Can I Grow Bartlett?
Check if your zip code has enough chill hours for this variety.
Chill Hour Checker
Validate chill hours for any fruit tree variety by zip code.
Frost Date Finder
Find your first and last frost dates to plan bloom protection.
Pollination data compiled from university extension services, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) pollination group charts, RosBREED cherry S-allele research, and nursery compatibility guides. Pollination compatibility can vary by region and microclimate. For best results, consult your local extension office.