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When to Plant Medlar in Preble County, OH

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.

Preble County, Ohio is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 24 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 180 days.

At an elevation of 1,250 feet, Preble County receives approximately 40 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91ยฐF, providing good warmth for Medlar during the growing season.

Preble County, OH (Zone 6a) Moderate season
180 days
Last Spring Frost April 24
180 growing days
First Fall Frost October 21

Preble County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6-6.9

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 โ€” 1.6" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Feb โ€” 1.9" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Mar โ€” 2.8" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
May 4.3" 4.5" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 4.7" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4.9" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Nov โ€” 3" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Dec โ€” 2.3" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Aprโ€“Oct in Preble County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall โ€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Medlar Planting Timeline โ€” Preble County, OH

Medlar Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 15 May 15 โ€“ May 29

ยท 120" apart ยท Rows 144" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April โ€”
May Transplant Outdoors
June โ€”
July โ€”
August โ€”
September โ€”
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

โ˜€๏ธ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

๐Ÿ’ง Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

๐Ÿ“… Days to Maturity

1095โ€“1825 days

๐Ÿงช Soil pH

Needs 6โ€“7.5 ยท Your soil: N/A

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ USDA Zone

Zone 6a

๐Ÿ“† Growing Season

180 days in Preble County

Growing Tips for Preble 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 Preble County, OH?

Preble County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 24. Plan your Medlar planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Preble County, OH?

Preble County, Ohio is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 24 and first fall frost is October 21.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Preble County gardeners in Zone 6a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Preble County, OH. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.