When to Plant Medlar in Atchison County, KS
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.
Atchison County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 17 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 187 days.
At an elevation of 678 feet, Atchison County receives approximately 25.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Medlar to ensure they mature before fall.
Atchison County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.4-7.8
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 Atchison County
How your county's soil matches Medlar's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.4–7.8) overlaps with Medlar's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Atchison County is excellent for Medlar — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Medlar.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.5%). Annual compost additions will help Medlar.
How to Plant Medlar
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Medlar Planting Timeline — Atchison County, KS
Medlar Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 8 | May 8 – May 22 |
· 120" apart · Rows 144" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
1095–1825 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
187 days in Atchison County
Growing Tips for Medlar in Atchison County
Direct sow Medlar outdoors after April 17 in Atchison County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 187.0-day growing season in Atchison County is tight for Medlar (1095.0-1825.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
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
Level Up Your Garden
Medlar in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Medlar in Atchison County, KS?
Atchison County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 17. Plan your Medlar planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Atchison County, KS?
Atchison County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 17 and first fall frost is October 21.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Atchison County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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