When to Plant Medlar in Cowley County, KS
Your May planting checklist for Cowley County, Kansas
Your garden in Cowley County, Kansas is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this May.
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Move medlar into the garden
Bring a watering can to the bed. Each transplant gets a drink the moment it's in the ground, not ten minutes later.
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.
Cowley County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 11 and the first fall frost is October 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 197 days.
At an elevation of 708 feet, Cowley County receives approximately 31.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Medlar during the growing season.
Cowley County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.4-7.3
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant 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 Cowley County
How your county's soil matches Medlar's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.4–7.3) is within Medlar's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Cowley County is excellent for Medlar — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.1%) — Medlar will thrive.
How to Plant Medlar
Plant Water Budget
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 | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.7" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.2" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Cowley 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 — Cowley County, KS
Medlar Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 2 | May 2 – May 16 |
· 120" apart · Rows 144" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
1095–1825 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
197 days in Cowley County
Growing Tips for Medlar in Cowley County
Direct sow Medlar outdoors after April 11 in Cowley County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 197.0-day growing season in Cowley 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 Cowley County, KS?
Cowley County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 11. Plan your Medlar planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Cowley County, KS?
Cowley County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 11 and first fall frost is October 25.
Your Cowley County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Cowley 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.