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When to Plant Medlar in Clinton 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.

Clinton County, New York is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 9 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 151 days.

At an elevation of 109 feet, Clinton County receives approximately 47.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Medlar to ensure they mature before fall.

Clinton County, NY (Zone 4b) Moderate season
151 days
Last Spring Frost May 9
151 growing days
First Fall Frost October 7

Clinton County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

4.8-6.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 29
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jun 6
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jun 29

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
1.3″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Medlar needs ~18,980 GDD — county provides 1,963 GDD May not mature

Medlar Planting Timeline โ€” Clinton County, NY

Medlar Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors June 6 Jun 6 โ€“ Jun 20

ยท 120" apart ยท Rows 144" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April โ€”
May โ€”
June Transplant Outdoors
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 4b

Growing Season

151 days

Growing Tips for Clinton 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 Clinton County, NY?

Clinton County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 9. Plan your Medlar planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Clinton County, NY?

Clinton County, New York is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 9 and first fall frost is October 7.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Clinton County gardeners in Zone 4b 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 Clinton County, NY. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.