When to Plant Medlar in Beaverhead County, MT
Your May gardening checklist
Here's what deserves your attention in Beaverhead County, Montana this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 5a and timed around your local frost dates.
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.
Beaverhead County, Montana is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is June 10 and the first fall frost is September 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 94 days.
At an elevation of 7,645 feet, Beaverhead County receives approximately 15.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Medlar to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Medlar successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Beaverhead County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.8-7.8
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 Beaverhead County
How your county's soil matches Medlar's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.8–7.8) overlaps with Medlar's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Beaverhead County is excellent for Medlar — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.9%). Annual compost additions will help Medlar.
How to Plant Medlar
Plant 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 | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.1" | 3.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 1.3" | 3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 1.6" | 2.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.3" | 3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jun–Sep in Beaverhead 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 — Beaverhead County, MT
Medlar Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | July 1 | Jul 1 – Jul 15 |
· 120" apart · Rows 144" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | Transplant Outdoors |
| 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 5a
📆 Growing Season
94 days in Beaverhead County
Growing Tips for Medlar in Beaverhead County
Direct sow Medlar outdoors after June 10 in Beaverhead County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 94.0-day growing season in Beaverhead County is tight for Medlar (1095.0-1825.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
Beaverhead County receives only 16" 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 Beaverhead County, MT?
Beaverhead County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of June 10. Plan your Medlar planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Beaverhead County, MT?
Beaverhead County, Montana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is June 10 and first fall frost is September 12.
Your Beaverhead County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Beaverhead County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.