When to Plant Medlar in Bates County, MO
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.
Bates County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is October 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 199 days.
At an elevation of 1,397 feet, Bates County receives approximately 39 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Medlar during the growing season.
Bates County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.4-6.8
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 Bates County
How your county's soil matches Medlar's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.4–6.8) overlaps with Medlar's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Bates 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 (3.0%). 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
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 | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.9" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Bates County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Medlar Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Medlar Planting Timeline — Bates County, MO
Medlar Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 30 | Apr 30 – May 14 |
· 120" apart · Rows 144" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
1095–1825 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
199 days in Bates County
Growing Tips for Medlar in Bates County
Direct sow Medlar outdoors after April 09 in Bates County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 199.0-day growing season in Bates 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Medlar in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Medlar in Bates County, MO?
Bates County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 9. Plan your Medlar planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Bates County, MO?
Bates County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and first fall frost is October 25.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Bates County gardeners in Zone 6a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
Get Your Free Garden Planner →Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.