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When to plant Medlar in Barber County, KS

In Barber County, Medlar is a single-season spring crop — there's no second fall window. Plant May 6–May 20 for an 1095–1825-day harvest, finishing well before the October 24 first frost.

When to Plant Medlar in Barber County, KS

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.

Barber County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 15 and the first fall frost is October 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 192 days.

At an elevation of 964 feet, Barber County receives approximately 20.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Medlar during the growing season.

Barber County, KS (Zone 7a) Moderate season
192 days
Last Spring Frost April 15
192 growing days
First Fall Frost October 24

Barber County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.6-7.1

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 0.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 0.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 2.1" 2.2" 🚿 Regular watering
May 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 2.4" 1.9" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 2.5" 1.8" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 2.1" 2.2" 🚿 Regular watering
Oct 4.3" 1.3" 3" 🚿 Regular watering
Nov 0.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 0.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Medlar Planting Timeline — Barber County, KS

Medlar Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 6 May 6 – May 20

· 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 7a

📆 Growing Season

192 days in Barber County

Growing Tips for Barber 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 Barber County, KS?

Barber County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 15. Plan your Medlar planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Barber County, KS?

Barber County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 15 and first fall frost is October 24.

When should I plant Medlar in Barber County, KS?

In Barber County, KS, plant Medlar after the last frost (around April 15) and before the first frost (around October 24). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Barber County, KS for Medlar?

Barber 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 Barber County's climate?

Yes — Medlar grows well in Barber County's temperate climate. Barber County averages a 192-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 15 and first frost around October 24.

🌱

Your Barber County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Barber 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 Barber County, KS. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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