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When to Plant Medlar in Crockett 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.

Crockett County, Tennessee is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 1 and the first fall frost is October 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 211 days.

At an elevation of 2,308 feet, Crockett County receives approximately 43.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 92ยฐF, providing good warmth for Medlar during the growing season.

Crockett County, TN (Zone 7a) Long season
211 days
Last Spring Frost April 1
211 growing days
First Fall Frost October 29

Crockett County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.3-6.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Apr 16
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Apr 22
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 8

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
0.9″/week
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 263 gal / 100 sq ft
Medlar needs ~27,740 GDD — county provides 4,009 GDD May not mature

Medlar Planting Timeline โ€” Crockett County, TN

Medlar Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 22 Apr 22 โ€“ May 6

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

211 days

Growing Tips for Crockett 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 Crockett County, TN?

Crockett County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 1. Plan your Medlar planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Crockett County, TN?

Crockett County, Tennessee is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 1 and first fall frost is October 29.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Crockett County gardeners in Zone 7a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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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 Crockett County, TN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.