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When to Plant Medlar in Montgomery County, MS

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.

Montgomery County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 24 and the first fall frost is November 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 228 days.

At an elevation of 497 feet, Montgomery County receives approximately 54 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 94ยฐF, providing good warmth for Medlar during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Medlar, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Medlar root diseases.

Montgomery County, MS (Zone 7b) Long season
228 days
Last Spring Frost March 24
228 growing days
First Fall Frost November 7

Montgomery County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.3-6.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Apr 2
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Apr 14
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 6

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.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
1.0″/week
You supply
0.0″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 11 gal / 100 sq ft
Medlar needs ~29,930 GDD — county provides 4,674 GDD May not mature

Medlar Planting Timeline โ€” Montgomery County, MS

Medlar Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 14 Apr 14 โ€“ Apr 28

ยท 120" apart ยท Rows 144" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

1095โ€“1825 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7.5

USDA Zone

Zone 7b

Growing Season

228 days

Growing Tips for Montgomery 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

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Medlar in Montgomery County, MS?

Montgomery County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 24. Plan your Medlar planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Montgomery County, MS?

Montgomery County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 24 and first fall frost is November 7.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Montgomery County gardeners in Zone 7b 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 Montgomery County, MS. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.