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When to Plant Medlar in Lawrence 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.

Lawrence County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 195 days.

At an elevation of 2,351 feet, Lawrence County receives approximately 40.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91ยฐF, providing good warmth for Medlar during the growing season.

Lawrence County, KY (Zone 6b) Moderate season
195 days
Last Spring Frost April 14
195 growing days
First Fall Frost October 26

Lawrence County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.5-6.8

Drainage

Well Drained

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 โ€” 3.5" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Feb โ€” 3.3" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Mar โ€” 3.8" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
May 4.3" 3.3" 1" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Jun 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Jul 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Sep 4.3" 2.7" 1.6" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Nov โ€” 3" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Dec โ€” 3.7" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Aprโ€“Oct in Lawrence County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall โ€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Medlar Planting Timeline โ€” Lawrence County, KY

Medlar Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 5 May 5 โ€“ May 19

ยท 120" apart ยท Rows 144" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April โ€”
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

Moderate โ€” regular watering

๐Ÿ“… Days to Maturity

1095โ€“1825 days

๐Ÿงช Soil pH

Needs 6โ€“7.5 ยท Your soil: N/A

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ USDA Zone

Zone 6b

๐Ÿ“† Growing Season

195 days in Lawrence County

Growing Tips for Lawrence County

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 →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Medlar in Lawrence County, KY?

Lawrence County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 14. Plan your Medlar planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Lawrence County, KY?

Lawrence County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 26.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Lawrence County gardeners in Zone 6b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

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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 Lawrence County, KY. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.