Item Number: FT388
Motherlode Bartlett Pear
Giant, buttery heirloom pears await.
Every rare tree purchase supports historical orchard preservation
Each handpicked tree includes a durable etched metal display tag.
Motherlode Bartlett Pear – Pyrus communis
Historical Significance
Also known as Triomphe de Vienne, the Motherlode Bartlett Pear is a buttery, aromatic heirloom that traces its roots to Dutch Flat, CA—a historic Gold Rush-era town known for its prolific fruit orchards. The grandmother tree of this variety still grows strong at 3,100’ elevation in Placer County. Dutch Flat was once a major fruit shipping hub, cultivated by Chinese immigrants and supported by stock from Felix Gillet’s nursery. Today, this resilient variety carries forward the orchard legacy of the Sierra foothills and one of California’s most storied horticultural regions.
How to Grow
Climate & Location: Best for USDA Zones 5–9. Thrives in mid- to high-elevation orchards. The original tree produces reliably at 3,100’ elevation, with harvests in late summer. Estimated chill hours: 700–900.
Soil Requirements: Grafted on OHxF 333 rootstock for disease resistance, early fruiting, and a semi-dwarf habit (12–15 ft. tall). Adaptable to various soils, including wet or heavy types. Enrich with compost before planting for best root establishment.
Planting: Choose a site with full sun and good air circulation. Plant in early spring or fall. Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and keep the graft union above soil level. Mulch to suppress weeds and regulate soil moisture.
Watering: Provide deep watering weekly during the growing season, especially while fruit is forming. Mature trees tolerate moderate drought but benefit from consistent irrigation in summer.
Pruning: Prune during dormancy to develop strong structure and improve light penetration. Thin out crowded or inward-growing branches and maintain a central leader form for best productivity.
Fruit Production
Pollination: Not self-fertile. Plant alongside another European pear variety such as Comice, Bosc, or Seckel to ensure good fruit set. Cross-pollinated by bees and other beneficial insects.
Thinning: Thin fruit after natural drop in late spring to prevent limb breakage and improve fruit size. Leave 5–6 inches between remaining pears.
Fertilization: Feed with a balanced organic fruit tree fertilizer in early spring. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which encourages leafy growth at the expense of fruit. Add compost or mulch in late fall to support soil health.
Harvesting
Fruit ripens in late summer (typically August–September) at elevations around 3,000'. Pick pears when they are mature but still firm and allow to ripen off the tree for best texture and flavor. The fruit has a rich, buttery mouthfeel with floral sweetness, softening texture, and hints of spice. Excellent for fresh eating, preserving, or culinary use.
Conclusion
The Motherlode Bartlett Pear offers a perfect blend of historical depth, rugged reliability, and gourmet flavor. Whether you’re restoring a historic orchard or expanding a modern edible landscape, this semi-dwarf heirloom brings a story-rich addition to your garden. Disease-resistant, consistently productive, and deeply rooted in California’s agricultural heritage, this is a pear tree with true orchard pedigree.
Explore our full Pear Tree Collection.
Learn more about pear tree cultivation in our Pear Tree Growing Guide.
To learn more about these historical trees, visit the Felix Gillet Institute.
Watch related videos and explore helpful tips i
Check Your Zone Compatibility:
Our Guarantee To You
Since 1976, we've served our customers at every stage of growing. Please contact us at any time. We are happy to support and assist you.
Shipping Information
Shipping Information
Cannot ship to the following states: HI, AK, PR, GU, VI
Shipping Weight: 5.0 lb
Dimensions: 47.5"L x 2.75"W x 7.3"H
Features
Features
- Bare Root
- Self-fruitful
- Suited to Cold Climates
Characteristics
Characteristics
Planting & Care
Planting & Care
Useful Information
Useful Information
Guarantee
Guarantee
Limited Dormant Tree & Plant Guarantee
* Claim deadline is June 15th
We guarantee that your dormant tree or plant will arrive in good, viable condition. If your tree arrives in substandard condition, notify us within 3 days of delivery. Please email pictures of the box, inside packaging, the tree and its roots to helpdesk@groworganic.com. We will investigate your claim and process a request to exchange or refund the damaged product.
If your dormant tree or plant has not grown new leaves by June 15th, you may be eligible for our Limited Dormant Tree & Plant Guarantee. This guarantee provides for a store credit for the purchase price of the tree, excluding shipping. Please see the Instructions below.
Important Dates:
- April 1st Dormant trees/plants must be planted in the ground
- May 15th Perform scratch test, if no new leaves have grown
- June 15th Deadline to apply for a dormant tree/plant credit
All required documentation must be received by June 15th for your claim to be considered. Claims or documentation received after June 15th will be denied, without exception. Instructions listed below
Terms and Conditions
We cannot guarantee that your tree or plant will remain alive and healthy after it is received, or bear fruit as there are too many variables in your environment that are beyond our control (i.e. soil preparation, weed and pest control, proper irrigation, chill hours, compatible hardiness for your growing zone, proper choice of pollinator, extreme weather, rodent damage, disease, etc.).
We cannot guarantee that we will be able to provide a replacement tree/plant of the same species either that same growing season or in future years. Customers are responsible for all shipping fees associated with replacement trees and plants.
If we determine that the tree you purchased directly from us is not viable, we will issue you a store credit (not a refund) for the purchase price of the affected dormant tree or plant. Shipping is not included in the dormant tree/plant guarantee. Store credits can be used to purchase any product we sell and are valid for use only until July 1st of the following year.
Historically, 98% of our dormant trees and plants grow and thrive when they have been cared for and planted using our growing guides. Dormant trees and plants must be planted in the ground by April 1st in order to be eligible for credit. If the ground in your area is still frozen solid, you may temporarily plant your tree or plant in a pot.
Potted, non-dormant trees or plants are excluded from this guarantee as they are not dormant at the time of shipment. Evergreen trees such as citrus, avocado and olive trees are not available for credit under the Dormant Tree and Plant Guarantee.
Instructions
We guarantee that your dormant fruit tree or plant will leaf out, if you care for it according to our growing guides. In the unlikely event that your dormant tree or plant does not have leaves by May 15th, follow these simple steps to apply for a store credit:
Before you call or email, please perform a “scratch test” to determine if the tree or plant is still alive. This video shows how to check for live tissue under the bark. Scratch tests need to be done a few inches above and below the graft.
Green Cambium Layer / Living Trees
If the cambium layer under the bark is green, give your tree a little more time. It is still alive, but hasn’t come out of dormancy yet. Check to make sure that it is getting the right amount of deep root water, enough sunlight and that the weather is warm enough for that type of tree/plant to come out of dormancy. Every tree has its own personality and will come out of dormancy at different times. Be sure to submit the required documentation listed below by June 15th, if it doesn’t grow leaves.
Brown Cambium Layer / Dead Trees
If the scratch test shows a brown cambium layer or if your dormant tree/plant doesn’t have leaves by June 1st, please email us at helpdesk@groworganic.com. All required documentation listed below must be received by June 15th for your claim to be considered. To be considered for the guarantee claim, all required documentation must be received by June 15th. Incomplete submissions will be denied.
Required Documentation
- Order number
- Name of dormant tree/plant and the quantity affected
- Photos of each tree or plant showing:
- The roots (tree or plant must be pulled out of the ground)
- The scratch test areas
- The entire tree/plant
We reserve the right to not issue credit for items that have already been replaced. We also reserve the right to require photographic evidence that the tree/plant was not killed by root rot, rodent or mechanical damage.
