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When to plant Medlar in Gallatin County, IL

In Gallatin County, Medlar is a single-season spring crop — there's no second fall window. Plant April 27–May 11 for an 1095–1825-day harvest, finishing well before the October 30 first frost.

When to Plant Medlar in Gallatin County, IL

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.

Gallatin County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 6 and the first fall frost is October 30, giving you a growing season of approximately 207 days.

At an elevation of 1,391 feet, Gallatin County receives approximately 37 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Medlar during the growing season.

Gallatin County, IL (Zone 7a) Long season
207 days
Last Spring Frost April 6
207 growing days
First Fall Frost October 30

Gallatin County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Medlar Planting Timeline — Gallatin County, IL

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 7a

📆 Growing Season

207 days in Gallatin County

Growing Tips for Gallatin 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 Gallatin County, IL?

Gallatin County is in Zone 7a 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 Gallatin County, IL?

Gallatin County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 6 and first fall frost is October 30.

When should I plant Medlar in Gallatin County, IL?

In Gallatin County, IL, plant Medlar after the last frost (around April 6) and before the first frost (around October 30). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Gallatin County, IL for Medlar?

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

Can Medlar grow in Gallatin County's climate?

Yes — Medlar grows well in Gallatin County's temperate climate. Gallatin County averages a 207-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 6 and first frost around October 30.

🌱

Your Gallatin County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Gallatin County (Zone 7a). 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 Gallatin County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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