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When to plant Medlar in Chippewa County County,

In Chippewa County County, Medlar is a single-season spring crop — there's no second fall window. Plant May 30–June 13 for an 1825-day harvest, finishing well before the October 4 first frost.

When to Plant Medlar in Chippewa County, MN

Chippewa County, Minnesota Zone 4b June

This month in Chippewa County, Minnesota

Each item below is timed to Chippewa County, Minnesota's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.

Avg. last frost May 2
Avg. first frost October 4
Soil temp (4") 64°F
Watering Low
Pest pressure High
Daylight 15.4 hrs

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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.

Chippewa County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 2 and the first fall frost is October 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 155 days.

At an elevation of 626 feet, Chippewa County receives approximately 34.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Medlar to ensure they mature before fall.

Chippewa County, MN (Zone 4b) Moderate season
155 days
Last Spring Frost May 2
155 growing days
First Fall Frost October 4

Chippewa County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.3-7

Drainage

Well Drained

Medlar Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 25
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 30
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jun 12

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 Chippewa County

How your county's soil matches Medlar's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (6.3–7.0) is within Medlar's preferred range (6.0–7.5).

Soil Texture

The silt loam soil in Chippewa County is excellent for Medlar — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Drainage

Drainage is adequate for Medlar.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is excellent (4.7%) — Medlar will thrive.

How to Plant Medlar

120"
Between Plants
144"
Between Rows

Medlar Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.9″/week
You supply
0.4″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 496 gal / 100 sq ft

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 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 2.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3" 1.3" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Chippewa 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 needs ~15,695 GDD — county provides 1,666 GDD May not mature

Medlar Planting Timeline — Chippewa County, MN

Medlar Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 30 May 30 – Jun 13

· 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

1"/week · 1-2 times/week

📅 Days to Maturity

1095–1825 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: ideal

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 4b

📆 Growing Season

155 days in Chippewa County

Growing Tips for Medlar in Chippewa County

Direct sow Medlar outdoors after May 02 in Chippewa County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Your 155.0-day growing season in Chippewa 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 →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Medlar in Chippewa County, MN?

Chippewa County is in Zone 4b 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 Chippewa County, MN?

Chippewa County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 2 and first fall frost is October 4.

When should I plant Medlar in Chippewa County, ?

In Chippewa County, , plant Medlar after the last frost (around May 2) and before the first frost (around October 4). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Chippewa County, for Medlar?

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

Can Medlar grow in Chippewa County's climate?

Yes — Medlar grows well in Chippewa County's temperate climate. Chippewa County averages a 155-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 2 and first frost around October 4.

🌱

Your Chippewa County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Chippewa County (Zone 4b). 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 Chippewa County, MN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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