Blog

When to plant Medlar in Rush County, IN

Rush County's 190-day season only supports one Medlar planting per year. Sow between May 5 and May 19 for the best chance at full maturity before October 21.

When to Plant Medlar in Rush County, IN

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.

Rush County, Indiana is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 190 days.

At an elevation of 1,033 feet, Rush County receives approximately 41.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Medlar during the growing season.

Rush County, IN (Zone 6a) Moderate season
190 days
Last Spring Frost April 14
190 growing days
First Fall Frost October 21

Rush County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.9-6.7

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 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 5.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 5.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Medlar Planting Timeline — Rush County, IN

Medlar Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 5 May 5 – May 19

· 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 6a

📆 Growing Season

190 days in Rush County

Growing Tips for Rush 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 Rush County, IN?

Rush County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 14. Plan your Medlar planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Rush County, IN?

Rush County, Indiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 21.

When should I plant Medlar in Rush County, IN?

In Rush County, IN, plant Medlar after the last frost (around April 14) and before the first frost (around October 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Rush County, IN for Medlar?

Rush 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 Rush County's climate?

Yes — Medlar grows well in Rush County's temperate climate. Rush County averages a 190-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 14 and first frost around October 21.

🌱

Your Rush County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Rush 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.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Rush County, IN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.