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When to plant Medlar in Teller County, CO

Plant Medlar in Teller County during the brief June 1–June 15 window. With 148 frost-free days, fall plantings can't mature before October 6.

When to Plant Medlar in Teller County, CO

Teller County, Colorado Zone 5b June

Top priorities for Teller County, Colorado gardeners in June

June is a pivotal month for Teller County, Colorado gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.

Avg. last frost May 11
Avg. first frost October 6
Soil temp (4") 50°F
Watering High
Pest pressure High
Daylight 14.7 hrs
  1. Transplant medlar outside

    Harden off for 7 days — a little more sun each day — before planting. That's the difference between a seedling that thrives and one that stalls.

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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.

Teller County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 11 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 148 days.

At an elevation of 6,538 feet, Teller County receives approximately 19.5 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. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Medlar successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Teller County, CO (Zone 5b) Short season
148 days
Last Spring Frost May 11
148 growing days
First Fall Frost October 6

Teller County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.4-8.1

Drainage

Well Drained

Medlar Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 25
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jun 1
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jun 17

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 Teller County

How your county's soil matches Medlar's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (6.4–8.1) overlaps with Medlar's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.

Soil Texture

The loam soil in Teller County is excellent for Medlar — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is moderate (2.5%). Annual compost additions will help Medlar.

How to Plant Medlar

120"
Between Plants
144"
Between Rows

Medlar Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.6″/week
You supply
0.5″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 706 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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 1.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 1.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 2.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 4.3" 2.4" 1.9" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 1.3" 3" 🚿 Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 1.5" 2.8" 🚿 Regular watering
Aug 4.3" 1.7" 2.6" 🚿 Regular watering
Sep 4.3" 1.7" 2.6" 🚿 Regular watering
Oct 4.3" 1.9" 2.4" 🚿 Regular watering
Nov 1.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Teller 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 needs ~18,980 GDD — county provides 1,924 GDD May not mature

Medlar Planting Timeline — Teller County, CO

Medlar Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors June 1 Jun 1 – Jun 15

· 120" apart · Rows 144" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
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 · 1-2 times/week

📅 Days to Maturity

1095–1825 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 5b

📆 Growing Season

148 days in Teller County

Growing Tips for Medlar in Teller County

Direct sow Medlar outdoors after May 11 in Teller County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Your 148.0-day growing season in Teller County is tight for Medlar (1095.0-1825.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.

Teller County receives only 20" 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 →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Medlar in Teller County, CO?

Teller County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 11. Plan your Medlar planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Teller County, CO?

Teller County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 11 and first fall frost is October 6.

When should I plant Medlar in Teller County, CO?

In Teller County, CO, plant Medlar after the last frost (around May 11) and before the first frost (around October 6). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Teller County, CO for Medlar?

Teller County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Medlar grows reliably in zones 4a through 8b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Medlar grow in Teller County's climate?

Yes — Medlar grows well in Teller County's temperate climate. Teller County averages a 148-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 11 and first frost around October 6.

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Your Teller County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Teller County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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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 Teller County, CO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.