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When to Plant Medlar in Bronx County, NY

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.

Bronx County, New York is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is March 29 and the first fall frost is November 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 228 days.

At an elevation of 53 feet, Bronx County receives approximately 44.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88ยฐF, providing good warmth for Medlar during the growing season.

Bronx County, NY (Zone 7a) Long season
228 days
Last Spring Frost March 29
228 growing days
First Fall Frost November 12

Bronx County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.2-6.4

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Apr 15
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Apr 19
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Apr 30

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
0.8″/week
You supply
0.2″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 373 gal / 100 sq ft
Medlar needs ~23,360 GDD — county provides 3,648 GDD May not mature

Medlar Planting Timeline โ€” Bronx County, NY

Medlar Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 19 Apr 19 โ€“ May 3

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

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 7a

Growing Season

228 days

Growing Tips for Bronx 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 Bronx County, NY?

Bronx County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of March 29. Plan your Medlar planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Bronx County, NY?

Bronx County, New York is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is March 29 and first fall frost is November 12.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Bronx 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 Bronx County, NY. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.