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When to plant Medlar in Lawrence County, IL

Plant Medlar in Lawrence County, between May 4 and May 18 — the only viable window. Zone 6b's short season (197 frost-free days) rules out a fall crop.

When to Plant Medlar in Lawrence 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.

Lawrence County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 13 and the first fall frost is October 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 197 days.

At an elevation of 969 feet, Lawrence County receives approximately 35.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Medlar during the growing season.

Lawrence County, IL (Zone 6b) Moderate season
197 days
Last Spring Frost April 13
197 growing days
First Fall Frost October 27

Lawrence County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Medlar Planting Timeline — Lawrence County, IL

Medlar Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 4 May 4 – May 18

· 120" apart · Rows 144" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April
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 6b

📆 Growing Season

197 days in Lawrence County

Growing Tips for Lawrence 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 Lawrence County, IL?

Lawrence County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 13. Plan your Medlar planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Lawrence County, IL?

Lawrence County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 13 and first fall frost is October 27.

When should I plant Medlar in Lawrence County, IL?

In Lawrence County, IL, plant Medlar after the last frost (around April 13) and before the first frost (around October 27). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Lawrence County, IL for Medlar?

Lawrence County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Medlar grows reliably in zones 4a through 8b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Medlar grow in Lawrence County's climate?

Yes — Medlar grows well in Lawrence County's temperate climate. Lawrence County averages a 197-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 13 and first frost around October 27.

🌱

Your Lawrence County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Lawrence County (Zone 6b). 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 Lawrence County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: August 2026.

Sources & credits

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