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When to Plant Medlar in Anderson County, TN

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.

Anderson County, Tennessee is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 11 and the first fall frost is October 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 197 days.

At an elevation of 2,045 feet, Anderson County receives approximately 46.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91ยฐF, providing good warmth for Medlar during the growing season.

Anderson County, TN (Zone 7a) Moderate season
197 days
Last Spring Frost April 11
197 growing days
First Fall Frost October 25

Anderson County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.3-6.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Apr 26
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 2
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 25

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
1.0″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Medlar needs ~26,645 GDD — county provides 3,595 GDD May not mature

Medlar Planting Timeline โ€” Anderson County, TN

Medlar Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 2 May 2 โ€“ May 16

ยท 120" apart ยท Rows 144" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April โ€”
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

197 days

Growing Tips for Anderson 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 Anderson County, TN?

Anderson County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 11. Plan your Medlar planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Anderson County, TN?

Anderson County, Tennessee is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 11 and first fall frost is October 25.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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