When to Plant Medlar in Garfield County, CO
Your May planting checklist for Garfield County, Colorado
May rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Garfield County, Colorado.
A few tasks this May that'll pay off in June
- Transplants going out: medlar
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.
Garfield County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 25 and the first fall frost is September 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 119 days.
At an elevation of 7,997 feet, Garfield County receives approximately 21.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Medlar to ensure they mature before fall.
Garfield County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.5-7.9
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
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 Garfield County
How your county's soil matches Medlar's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.5–7.9) overlaps with Medlar's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Garfield County is excellent for Medlar — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.8%). Annual compost additions will help Medlar.
How to Plant Medlar
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Medlar
Medlar needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Medlar Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 2.6" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.4" | 2.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 1.8" | 2.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 2.2" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.8" | 2.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Garfield County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Medlar Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Medlar Planting Timeline — Garfield County, CO
Medlar Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | June 15 | Jun 15 – Jun 29 |
· 120" apart · Rows 144" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
1095–1825 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
119 days in Garfield County
Growing Tips for Medlar in Garfield County
Direct sow Medlar outdoors after May 25 in Garfield County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 119.0-day growing season in Garfield County is tight for Medlar (1095.0-1825.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
Garfield County receives only 21" of rain annually. Medlar needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Medlar in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Medlar in Garfield County, CO?
Garfield County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 25. Plan your Medlar planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Garfield County, CO?
Garfield County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 25 and first fall frost is September 21.
Your Garfield County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Garfield County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.