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When to plant Medlar in Cherokee County, GA

In Cherokee County, Medlar is a spring-only crop. Plant April 17–May 1 once soil hits 50°F.

When to Plant Medlar in Cherokee County, GA

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.

Cherokee County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 27 and the first fall frost is November 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 221 days.

At an elevation of 59 feet, Cherokee County receives approximately 54.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Medlar during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Medlar, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Medlar root diseases.

Cherokee County, GA (Zone 8a) Long season
221 days
Last Spring Frost March 27
221 growing days
First Fall Frost November 3

Cherokee County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.2-6.5

Drainage

Well Drained

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 3.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 5.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 4.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 3" 1.3" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Dec 4.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Cherokee County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Medlar Planting Timeline — Cherokee County, GA

Medlar Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 17 Apr 17 – May 1

· 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 8a

📆 Growing Season

221 days in Cherokee County

Growing Tips for Cherokee 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 Cherokee County, GA?

Cherokee County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 27. Plan your Medlar planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Cherokee County, GA?

Cherokee County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 27 and first fall frost is November 3.

When should I plant Medlar in Cherokee County, GA?

In Cherokee County, GA, plant Medlar after the last frost (around March 27) and before the first frost (around November 3). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Cherokee County, GA for Medlar?

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

Can Medlar grow in Cherokee County's climate?

Yes — Medlar grows well in Cherokee County's temperate climate. Cherokee County averages a 221-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 27 and first frost around November 3.

🌱

Your Cherokee County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Cherokee County (Zone 8a). 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 Cherokee County, GA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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