When to Plant Medlar in USDA Zone 4b
Your July planting checklist for Zone 4b
Each item below is timed to Zone 4b's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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.
In Zone 4b, the average last spring frost is around May 1 and the first fall frost is around October 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 155 days.
Medlar Planting Timeline — Zone 4b
Where Is USDA Zone 4b?
The map below highlights the states that contain Zone 4b. Click any state to see the Medlar planting schedule for that location.
Medlar Planting Calendar — Zone 4b
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 29 | May 29 – Jun 12 |
· 120" apart · Rows 144" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Free Zone 4b Planting Calendar PDF
Know exactly when to plant every crop in your zone. Get a printable month-by-month calendar customized for Zone 4b with start dates, transplant windows, and harvest times.
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
1095–1825 days
Soil pH
6 – 7.5
Zone Temperature Range
-25°F to -20°F average annual minimum
Growing Season
155 days (Zone 4b average)
Planting Specifications
| Plant Spacing | 120 inches apart |
| Row Spacing | 144 inches between rows |
Growing Tips for Medlar in Zone 4b
Zone 4b has a short growing season (~155 days). Start Medlar indoors early and use season-extension techniques like row covers and cold frames.
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
The Gardener's Encyclopedia to Companion Planting
The pairings that make vegetables, herbs, and flowers grow better — and the ones that quietly wreck a bed.
- Proven pairings for 200+ vegetables, herbs, flowers, and fruits
- Full seed-starting + planting schedule with timing and spacing
- Bonus: square-foot gardening guide + printable seasonal planners
Saving Medlar Seeds
Recommended for Your Garden
Full-spectrum LED lights for starting seeds indoors when daylight is limited.
Warm soil for faster germination of heat-loving crops like tomatoes and peppers.
Protect plants from frost, wind, and pests while letting light and water through.
Related Plants
Medlar in Other Zones
Medlar by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Medlar in Zone 4b?
In Zone 4b, plan your Medlar planting around the average last frost date of May 1. Transplant seedlings around May 29.
Can Medlar grow in Zone 4b?
Yes, Medlar can grow well in Zone 4b, hardy in USDA zones 4a through 8b. Zone 4b has a growing season of approximately 155 days, which is sufficient for Medlar (1095-1825 days to maturity).
What is the last frost date for Zone 4b?
The average last spring frost in Zone 4b is around May 1, and the first fall frost is around October 3. This gives a growing season of approximately 155 days. These are 50% probability dates — actual frost dates vary year to year.
What should I plant next to Medlar?
Good companion plants for Medlar include Comfrey, Chives. These companions can help with pest control, pollination, and nutrient sharing.
Your Zone 4b Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner tailored to Zone 4b. Planting dates, monthly task lists, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — everything you need to plan a full season.