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When to Plant Medlar in Fulton County, KY

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.

Fulton County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is March 30 and the first fall frost is October 31, giving you a growing season of approximately 215 days.

At an elevation of 3,261 feet, Fulton County receives approximately 42.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 92ยฐF, providing good warmth for Medlar during the growing season.

Fulton County, KY (Zone 7a) Long season
215 days
Last Spring Frost March 30
215 growing days
First Fall Frost October 31

Fulton County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.7-6.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Apr 12
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Apr 20
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 7

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 Fulton County

How your county's soil matches Medlar's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (5.7โ€“6.8) overlaps with Medlar's range (6.0โ€“7.5), though not a perfect match.

Soil Texture

The silt loam soil in Fulton County is excellent for Medlar โ€” good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is moderate (2.9%). Annual compost additions will help Medlar.

How to Plant Medlar

120"
Between Plants
144"
Between Rows

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.8″/week
You supply
0.2″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 399 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Medlar needs ~27,740 GDD — county provides 4,085 GDD May not mature

Medlar Planting Timeline โ€” Fulton County, KY

Medlar Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 20 Apr 20 โ€“ May 4

ยท 120" apart ยท Rows 144" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April Transplant Outdoors
May Transplant Outdoors
June โ€”
July โ€”
August โ€”
September โ€”
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

โ˜€๏ธ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

๐Ÿ’ง Water

1"/week ยท Only during dry spells

๐Ÿ“… Days to Maturity

1095โ€“1825 days

๐Ÿงช Soil pH

Needs 6โ€“7.5 ยท Your soil: acceptable

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ USDA Zone

Zone 7a

๐Ÿ“† Growing Season

215 days in Fulton County

Growing Tips for Medlar in Fulton County

Direct sow Medlar outdoors after March 30 in Fulton County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Your 215.0-day growing season in Fulton 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

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Medlar in Fulton County, KY?

Fulton County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of March 30. Plan your Medlar planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Fulton County, KY?

Fulton County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is March 30 and first fall frost is October 31.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Fulton County gardeners in Zone 7a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Fulton County, KY. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.