Medlar Planting Guide
Medlar is a small ornamental tree producing unusual open-ended fruits that must be bletted (softened by frost) before eating. The flavor is complex, like spiced apple butter.
Mespilus germanica · Fruit · Rosaceae family · 1095–1825 days to maturity
Where Can You Grow Medlar?
Medlar Growing Regions
Click any state to see the Medlar planting schedule for that location.
Planting Dates by Zone
| Zone | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 4a | — | — | Jun 3 | — |
| Zone 4b | — | — | May 29 | — |
| Zone 5a | — | — | May 16 | — |
| Zone 5b | — | — | May 9 | — |
| Zone 6a | — | — | May 1 | — |
| Zone 6b | — | — | Apr 24 | — |
| Zone 7a | — | — | Apr 15 | — |
| Zone 7b | — | — | Apr 8 | — |
| Zone 8a | — | — | Mar 29 | — |
| Zone 8b | — | — | Mar 18 | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Soil pH
6 – 7.5
Hardiness Zones
Zone 4a – 8b
Growing Tips
Plant in well-drained soil. Medlars are self-fertile and need minimal pruning. Harvest after the first frost and allow to soften (blet) indoors for 2-3 weeks before eating.
Saving Medlar Seeds
Recommended for Your Garden
Sharp bypass pruners for clean cuts on fruit trees, berry bushes, and woody herbs.
Start seeds indoors with reusable cell trays and humidity domes.
Test your soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels before planting.
Level Up Your Garden
Medlar by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Alberta
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- British Columbia
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Manitoba
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Brunswick
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Northwest Territories
- Nova Scotia
- Nunavut
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Ontario
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Prince Edward Island
- Quebec
- Rhode Island
- Saskatchewan
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
- Yukon
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to grow Medlar?
Medlar (Mespilus germanica) takes 1095 to 1825 days from planting to harvest. Exact timing depends on your variety, growing conditions, and USDA zone.
What zones can Medlar grow in?
Medlar can be grown in USDA zones 4a through 8b. Use the planting calendar above to find the exact dates for your zone.
How much sun does Medlar need?
Growing Medlar requires Full Sun (6-8+ hours), Moderate — regular watering, and soil pH of 6 to 7.5.