When to Plant Medlar in Anchorage Municipality, AK
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.
Anchorage Municipality, Alaska is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 15 and the first fall frost is September 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 127 days.
At an elevation of 2,537 feet, Anchorage Municipality receives approximately 20.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 71°F, so choose short-season varieties of Medlar to ensure they mature before fall.
Anchorage Municipality Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
4.9-6.5
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Anchorage Municipality
How your county's soil matches Medlar's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.9–6.5) is more acidic than Medlar prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Anchorage Municipality is excellent for Medlar — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Medlar.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (5.2%) — Medlar will thrive.
How to Plant Medlar
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Medlar
Medlar needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Medlar Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 0.9" | 3.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.5" | 2.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 2.6" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Anchorage Municipality). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Medlar Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Medlar Planting Timeline — Anchorage Municipality, AK
Medlar Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | June 12 | Jun 12 – Jun 26 |
· 120" apart · Rows 144" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
1095–1825 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4b
📆 Growing Season
127 days in Anchorage Municipality
Growing Tips for Medlar in Anchorage Municipality
Direct sow Medlar outdoors after May 15 in Anchorage Municipality when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 127.0-day growing season in Anchorage Municipality is tight for Medlar (1095.0-1825.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
Anchorage Municipality receives only 20" of rain annually. Medlar needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General 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.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Medlar in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Medlar in Anchorage Municipality, AK?
Anchorage Municipality is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 15. Plan your Medlar planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Anchorage Municipality, AK?
Anchorage Municipality, Alaska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 15 and first fall frost is September 19.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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