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When to Plant Medlar in Walthall 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.

Walthall County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 15 and the first fall frost is November 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 246 days.

At an elevation of 207 feet, Walthall County receives approximately 50.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 90ยฐF, 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.

Walthall County, MS (Zone 8a) Long season
246 days
Last Spring Frost March 15
246 growing days
First Fall Frost November 16

Walthall County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.5-6.6

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Mar 25
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Apr 5
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Apr 27

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
0.9″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Medlar needs ~25,550 GDD — county provides 4,305 GDD May not mature

Medlar Planting Timeline โ€” Walthall County, MS

Medlar Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 5 Apr 5 โ€“ Apr 19

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 8a

Growing Season

246 days

Growing Tips for Walthall 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 Walthall County, MS?

Walthall County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 15. Plan your Medlar planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Walthall County, MS?

Walthall County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 15 and first fall frost is November 16.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Walthall County gardeners in Zone 8a 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 Walthall County, MS. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.