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When to plant Medlar in Jasper County, IA

In Jasper County, Medlar is a spring-only crop. Plant May 23–June 6 once soil hits 50°F.

When to Plant Medlar in Jasper County, IA

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.

Jasper County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 2 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 158 days.

At an elevation of 1,048 feet, Jasper County receives approximately 38 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Medlar during the growing season.

Jasper County, IA (Zone 5b) Moderate season
158 days
Last Spring Frost May 2
158 growing days
First Fall Frost October 7

Jasper County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Medlar Planting Timeline — Jasper County, IA

Medlar Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 23 May 23 – Jun 6

· 120" apart · Rows 144" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
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

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

1095–1825 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 5b

📆 Growing Season

158 days in Jasper County

Growing Tips for Jasper 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 Jasper County, IA?

Jasper County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 2. Plan your Medlar planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Jasper County, IA?

Jasper County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 2 and first fall frost is October 7.

When should I plant Medlar in Jasper County, IA?

In Jasper County, IA, plant Medlar after the last frost (around May 2) and before the first frost (around October 7). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Jasper County, IA for Medlar?

Jasper County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Medlar grows reliably in zones 4a through 8b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Medlar grow in Jasper County's climate?

Yes — Medlar grows well in Jasper County's temperate climate. Jasper County averages a 158-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 2 and first frost around October 7.

🌱

Your Jasper County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Jasper County (Zone 5b). 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 Jasper County, IA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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