When to plant Medlar in LaGrange County, IN
LaGrange County's 171-day season only supports one Medlar planting per year. Sow between May 19 and June 2 for the best chance at full maturity before October 16.
When to Plant Medlar in LaGrange County, IN
Your June gardening checklist
June rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in LaGrange County, Indiana.
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.
LaGrange County, Indiana is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 28 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 171 days.
At an elevation of 651 feet, LaGrange County receives approximately 41.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Medlar during the growing season.
LaGrange County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.9-7.1
Drainage
Well Drained
Medlar Planting Risk Windows
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 LaGrange County
How your county's soil matches Medlar's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.9–7.1) overlaps with Medlar's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in LaGrange County is excellent for Medlar — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (5.1%) — Medlar will thrive.
How to Plant Medlar
Medlar Water Budget
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 | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in LaGrange 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 Planting Timeline — LaGrange County, IN
Medlar Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 19 | May 19 – Jun 2 |
· 120" apart · Rows 144" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
1095–1825 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
171 days in LaGrange County
Growing Tips for Medlar in LaGrange County
Direct sow Medlar outdoors after April 28 in LaGrange County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 171.0-day growing season in LaGrange County is tight for Medlar (1095.0-1825.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
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 →
Medlar in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Medlar in LaGrange County, IN?
LaGrange County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 28. Plan your Medlar planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is LaGrange County, IN?
LaGrange County, Indiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 28 and first fall frost is October 16.
When should I plant Medlar in LaGrange County, IN?
In LaGrange County, IN, plant Medlar after the last frost (around April 28) and before the first frost (around October 16). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is LaGrange County, IN for Medlar?
LaGrange County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Medlar grows reliably in zones 4a through 8b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Medlar grow in LaGrange County's climate?
Yes — Medlar grows well in LaGrange County's temperate climate. LaGrange County averages a 171-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 28 and first frost around October 16.
Your LaGrange County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for LaGrange County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.