When to Plant Medlar in Benton County, OR
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.
Benton County, Oregon is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 30, giving you a growing season of approximately 199 days.
At an elevation of 97 feet, Benton County receives approximately 53.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Medlar during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Medlar root diseases.
Benton County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.6-6.2
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 Benton County
How your county's soil matches Medlar's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.6–6.2) is more acidic than Medlar prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Benton County is excellent for Medlar — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.7%) — Medlar will thrive.
How to Plant Medlar
Plant Water Budget
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 | — | 8.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 6.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 5.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.9" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 0.9" | 3.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 0.8" | 3.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.3" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 8.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 8.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Benton 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 — Benton County, OR
Medlar Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 5 | May 5 – May 19 |
· 120" apart · Rows 144" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| 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: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
199 days in Benton County
Growing Tips for Medlar in Benton County
Direct sow Medlar outdoors after April 14 in Benton County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 199.0-day growing season in Benton 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 Benton County, OR?
Benton County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of April 14. Plan your Medlar planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Benton County, OR?
Benton County, Oregon is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 30.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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