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When to plant Medlar in New Castle County, DE

In New Castle County, Medlar is a spring-only crop. Plant April 27–May 11 once soil hits 50°F.

When to Plant Medlar in New Castle County, DE

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.

New Castle County, Delaware is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 6 and the first fall frost is October 31, giving you a growing season of approximately 208 days.

At an elevation of 415 feet, New Castle County receives approximately 38.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Medlar during the growing season.

New Castle County, DE (Zone 7b) Long season
208 days
Last Spring Frost April 6
208 growing days
First Fall Frost October 31

New Castle County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Medlar Planting Timeline — New Castle County, DE

Medlar Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 27 Apr 27 – May 11

· 120" apart · Rows 144" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April Transplant Outdoors
May Transplant Outdoors
June
July
August
September
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

1095–1825 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 7b

📆 Growing Season

208 days in New Castle County

Growing Tips for New Castle 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

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Medlar in New Castle County, DE?

New Castle County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 6. Plan your Medlar planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is New Castle County, DE?

New Castle County, Delaware is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 6 and first fall frost is October 31.

When should I plant Medlar in New Castle County, DE?

In New Castle County, DE, plant Medlar after the last frost (around April 6) and before the first frost (around October 31). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is New Castle County, DE for Medlar?

New Castle County sits in USDA Zone 7b. Medlar grows reliably in zones 4a through 8b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Medlar grow in New Castle County's climate?

Yes — Medlar grows well in New Castle County's temperate climate. New Castle County averages a 208-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 6 and first frost around October 31.

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Your New Castle County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for New Castle County (Zone 7b). 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 New Castle County, DE. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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