When to plant Medlar in Saline County, KS
In Saline 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 Saline County, KS
What to do in July
July is a pivotal month for Saline County, Kansas gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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.
Saline County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6b. 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 680 feet, Saline County receives approximately 23.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Medlar during the growing season.
Saline County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.8-7.7
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 Saline County
How your county's soil matches Medlar's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.8–7.7) overlaps with Medlar's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Saline County is excellent for Medlar — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.9%). Annual compost additions will help Medlar.
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 | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.7" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 2.9" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.9" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 1.3" | 3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Saline 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 — Saline 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
| 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
192 days in Saline County
Growing Tips for Medlar in Saline County
Direct sow Medlar outdoors after April 15 in Saline County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 192.0-day growing season in Saline County is tight for Medlar (1095.0-1825.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
Saline County receives only 23" of rain annually. Medlar needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
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 Saline County, KS?
Saline County is in Zone 6b 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 Saline County, KS?
Saline County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 15 and first fall frost is October 24.
When should I plant Medlar in Saline County, KS?
In Saline 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 Saline County, KS for Medlar?
Saline County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Medlar grows reliably in zones 4a through 8b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Medlar grow in Saline County's climate?
Yes — Medlar grows well in Saline County's temperate climate. Saline County averages a 192-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 15 and first frost around October 24.
Your Saline County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Saline County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.