Russetted Bartlett Pear Tree

Russetted Bartlett is a Stark Bro’s exclusive that delivers everything home growers love about the classic Bartlett — juicy, sweet, gently spiced flavor — with an extra layer of character that makes it genuinely unique. Discovered in 2009 as a naturally occurring russetted limb on a Bartlett tree in Yakima, Washington, it was carefully propagated to preserve its distinctive traits and is available nowhere else. The result is a larger, more visually striking pear with the same beloved Bartlett flavor profile, a rich nutty depth from its copper-gold russeting, and up to eight months of refrigerated storage life.

Classic Bartlett Flavor, More Complex Character

Russetted Bartlett’s flavor is rooted in the Bartlett tradition — sub-acid, sweet, and deeply satisfying with the gentle spice that makes Bartlett pears so beloved. The russeted skin adds a rich, nutty depth that elevates the flavor beyond the standard Bartlett profile, and the white, very juicy flesh is crisp and smooth with excellent texture. The fruit hangs well on the tree and ripens evenly in late August to early September, about a week later than traditional Bartlett.

A Discovery Story Worth Knowing

This variety has one of the most interesting origin stories in the Stark Bro’s catalog. A single russetted limb was noticed on a Bartlett tree in a Yakima, Washington orchard in 2009 — a natural genetic sport that produced fruit with distinctly different skin characteristics. Rather than ignoring it, the grower carefully propagated it, and the result is a variety that combines the world’s best-known pear with a one-of-a-kind visual and flavor identity.

Up to Eight Months of Storage — Exceptional for a Bartlett Type

Most Bartlett-type pears are not known for long storage life. Russetted Bartlett is the exception — with proper refrigeration, the fruit keeps for up to eight months while maintaining its flavor and texture. That’s a remarkable quality that extends a late August harvest well into spring.

Why Growers Choose Russetted Bartlett

• A Stark Bro’s exclusive — discovered in Yakima in 2009, available only from Stark Bro’s
• Classic Bartlett flavor with added depth — sweet, juicy, and sub-acid with a rich nutty character
• Striking copper-gold russeted skin — visually beautiful and immediately distinctive
• Up to 8 months of storage — exceptional keeping quality for a Bartlett-type pear
• Slightly larger than standard Bartlett — impressive fruit size with reliable even ripening

May be covered by USPP #28,773 or other patents.