When to Plant Medlar in Lycoming County, PA
May to-do list for Lycoming County, Pennsylvania
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Lycoming County, Pennsylvania this May and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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Move medlar into the garden
Water the tray well an hour before you transplant. Roots slide out cleanly and settle in faster.
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.
Lycoming County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Zone 6a. 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 818 feet, Lycoming County receives approximately 40.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Medlar to ensure they mature before fall.
Lycoming County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
4.8-6.8
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 Lycoming County
How your county's soil matches Medlar's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.8–6.8) is more acidic than Medlar prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Lycoming County is excellent for Medlar — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Medlar.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.2%). 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 | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Lycoming 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 — Lycoming 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 · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
1095–1825 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
171 days in Lycoming County
Growing Tips for Medlar in Lycoming County
Direct sow Medlar outdoors after April 30 in Lycoming County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 171.0-day growing season in Lycoming 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 Lycoming County, PA?
Lycoming County is in Zone 6a 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 Lycoming County, PA?
Lycoming County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 30 and first fall frost is October 18.
Your Lycoming County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Lycoming County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.