When to Plant Medlar in Hockley County, TX
This month in Hockley County, Texas
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.
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.
Hockley County, Texas is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 6 and the first fall frost is November 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 210 days.
At an elevation of 2,026 feet, Hockley County receives approximately 52.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 97°F, so Medlar may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Medlar will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Medlar root diseases.
Hockley County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
7.8-8.1
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 Hockley County
How your county's soil matches Medlar's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (7.8–8.1) is more alkaline than Medlar prefers (6.0–7.5). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Hockley County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Medlar will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.1%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting 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 | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2" | 2.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 4.3" | 1.2" | 3.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.6" | 2.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 9.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 7.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 4.3" | 2.7" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Nov in Hockley 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 — Hockley County, TX
Medlar Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 27 | Apr 27 – May 11 |
· 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 · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
1095–1825 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
210 days in Hockley County
Growing Tips for Medlar in Hockley County
Direct sow Medlar outdoors after April 06 in Hockley County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Hockley County dries quickly — mulch Medlar with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
With summer highs reaching 97°F in Hockley County, provide afternoon shade for Medlar and water deeply in the morning.
Your 210.0-day growing season in Hockley 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 Hockley County, TX?
Hockley County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 6. Plan your Medlar planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Hockley County, TX?
Hockley County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 6 and first fall frost is November 2.
Your Hockley County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Hockley County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.