Blog

When to Plant Medlar in Jackson 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.

Jackson County, Oregon is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is May 7 and the first fall frost is October 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 156 days.

At an elevation of 422 feet, Jackson County receives approximately 46 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88ยฐF, providing good warmth for Medlar during the growing season.

Jackson County, OR (Zone 8a) Moderate season
156 days
Last Spring Frost May 7
156 growing days
First Fall Frost October 10

Jackson County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.3-6.4

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 17
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 28
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jun 23

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 Jackson County

How your county's soil matches Medlar's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (5.3โ€“6.4) is more acidic than Medlar prefers (6.0โ€“7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.

Soil Texture

The silt loam soil in Jackson County is excellent for Medlar โ€” good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Drainage

Drainage is adequate for Medlar.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is excellent (5.0%) โ€” Medlar will thrive.

How to Plant Medlar

120"
Between Plants
144"
Between Rows

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
1.2″/week
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 85 gal / 100 sq ft
Medlar needs ~23,360 GDD — county provides 2,496 GDD May not mature

Medlar Planting Timeline โ€” Jackson County, OR

Medlar Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 28 May 28 โ€“ Jun 11

ยท 120" apart ยท Rows 144" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April โ€”
May Transplant Outdoors
June Transplant Outdoors
July โ€”
August โ€”
September โ€”
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

โ˜€๏ธ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

๐Ÿ’ง Water

1"/week ยท Only during dry spells

๐Ÿ“… Days to Maturity

1095โ€“1825 days

๐Ÿงช Soil pH

Needs 6โ€“7.5 ยท Your soil: too_acidic

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ USDA Zone

Zone 8a

๐Ÿ“† Growing Season

156 days in Jackson County

Growing Tips for Medlar in Jackson County

Direct sow Medlar outdoors after May 07 in Jackson County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Your 156.0-day growing season in Jackson 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

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Medlar in Jackson County, OR?

Jackson County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of May 7. Plan your Medlar planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Jackson County, OR?

Jackson County, Oregon is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is May 7 and first fall frost is October 10.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Jackson County gardeners in Zone 8a 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.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Jackson County, OR. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.