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When to plant Medlar in Scott County, MO

Scott County's short 198-day growing season means one Medlar planting between April 30 and May 14. No fall crop in Zone 7a.

When to Plant Medlar in Scott County, MO

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.

Scott County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is October 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 198 days.

At an elevation of 880 feet, Scott County receives approximately 34.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Medlar during the growing season.

Scott County, MO (Zone 7a) Moderate season
198 days
Last Spring Frost April 9
198 growing days
First Fall Frost October 24

Scott County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.5-6.7

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 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.7" 1.6" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Medlar Planting Timeline — Scott County, MO

Medlar Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 30 Apr 30 – May 14

· 120" apart · Rows 144" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April Transplant Outdoors
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

198 days in Scott County

Growing Tips for Scott 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 Scott County, MO?

Scott County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 9. Plan your Medlar planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Scott County, MO?

Scott County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and first fall frost is October 24.

When should I plant Medlar in Scott County, MO?

In Scott County, MO, plant Medlar after the last frost (around April 9) and before the first frost (around October 24). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Scott County, MO for Medlar?

Scott 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 Scott County's climate?

Yes — Medlar grows well in Scott County's temperate climate. Scott County averages a 198-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 9 and first frost around October 24.

🌱

Your Scott County Garden Planner — Free

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

Sources & credits

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