When to Plant Medlar in USDA Zone 5a
Your May gardening checklist
May rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Zone 5a.
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Harden off and plant medlar
Water the tray well an hour before you transplant. Roots slide out cleanly and settle in faster.
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 5a, the average last spring frost is around April 25 and the first fall frost is around October 8, giving you a growing season of approximately 166 days.
Medlar Planting Timeline — Zone 5a
Where Is USDA Zone 5a?
The map below highlights the states that contain Zone 5a. Click any state to see the Medlar planting schedule for that location.
Medlar Planting Calendar — Zone 5a
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 16 | May 16 – May 30 |
· 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 | — |
Free Zone 5a Planting Calendar PDF
Know exactly when to plant every crop in your zone. Get a printable month-by-month calendar customized for Zone 5a 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
°F to °F average annual minimum
Growing Season
166 days (Zone average)
Planting Specifications
| Plant Spacing | 120 inches apart |
| Row Spacing | 144 inches between rows |
Growing Tips for Medlar in Zone
Zone has a short growing season (~166 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
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- Proven pairings for 200+ vegetables, herbs, flowers, and fruits
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Saving Medlar Seeds
Recommended for Your Garden
Sharp bypass pruners for clean cuts on fruit trees, berry bushes, and woody herbs.
Start seeds indoors with reusable cell trays and humidity domes.
Test your soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels before planting.
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 5a?
In Zone 5a, plan your Medlar planting around the average last frost date of April 25. Transplant seedlings around May 16.
Can Medlar grow in Zone 5a?
Yes, Medlar can grow well in Zone 5a, hardy in USDA zones 4a through 8b. Zone 5a has a growing season of approximately 166 days, which is sufficient for Medlar (1095-1825 days to maturity).
What is the last frost date for Zone 5a?
The average last spring frost in Zone 5a is around April 25, and the first fall frost is around October 8. This gives a growing season of approximately 166 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 Free Printable Garden Planner
A 24-page printable planner tailored to your zone. Planting dates, monthly task lists, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — everything you need to plan a full season.