When to Plant Medlar in Beaver County, PA
Your May planting checklist for Beaver County, Pennsylvania
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this May, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
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Plant out medlar
Harden off for 7 days — a little more sun each day — before planting. That's the difference between a seedling that thrives and one that stalls.
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.
Beaver County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 30 and the first fall frost is October 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 171 days.
At an elevation of 1,073 feet, Beaver County receives approximately 38.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Medlar during the growing season.
Beaver County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.1-6.6
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 Beaver County
How your county's soil matches Medlar's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.1–6.6) is more acidic than Medlar prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Beaver County is excellent for Medlar — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.1%). Annual compost additions will help Medlar.
How to Plant Medlar
Plant Water Budget
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 | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Beaver 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 — Beaver County, PA
Medlar Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 21 | May 21 – Jun 4 |
· 120" apart · Rows 144" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| 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 · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
1095–1825 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
171 days in Beaver County
Growing Tips for Medlar in Beaver County
Direct sow Medlar outdoors after April 30 in Beaver County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 171.0-day growing season in Beaver 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 →
Medlar in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Medlar in Beaver County, PA?
Beaver County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 30. Plan your Medlar planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Beaver County, PA?
Beaver County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 30 and first fall frost is October 18.
Your Beaver County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Beaver 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.