When to Plant Medlar in Marion County, TN
April in Marion County, Tennessee — your action list
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Marion County, Tennessee this April and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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Harden off and plant medlar
Bring a watering can to the bed. Each transplant gets a drink the moment it's in the ground, not ten minutes later.
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.
Marion County, Tennessee is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 5 and the first fall frost is October 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 207 days.
At an elevation of 1,867 feet, Marion County receives approximately 41.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 92°F, providing good warmth for Medlar during the growing season.
Marion County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.5
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 Marion County
How your county's soil matches Medlar's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5–6.5) overlaps with Medlar's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Marion 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
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 | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.9" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Marion 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 — Marion County, TN
Medlar Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 26 | Apr 26 – May 10 |
· 120" apart · Rows 144" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| 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
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
1095–1825 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
207 days in Marion County
Growing Tips for Medlar in Marion County
Direct sow Medlar outdoors after April 05 in Marion County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 207.0-day growing season in Marion 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 Marion County, TN?
Marion County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 5. Plan your Medlar planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Marion County, TN?
Marion County, Tennessee is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 5 and first fall frost is October 29.
Your Marion County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Marion 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.