When to Plant Medlar in Montague County, TX
Your May planting checklist for Montague County, Texas
A quick May briefing for Montague County, Texas gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
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.
Montague County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 28 and the first fall frost is November 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 223 days.
At an elevation of 4,867 feet, Montague County receives approximately 58.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 94°F, providing good warmth for Medlar during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Medlar root diseases.
Montague County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.3
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 Montague County
How your county's soil matches Medlar's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–7.3) is within Medlar's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Montague County is excellent for Medlar — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (2.0%). 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 | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 5.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 8.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 10.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 6.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 5.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 2.2" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Montague 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 — Montague County, TX
Medlar Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 18 | Apr 18 – May 2 |
· 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: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
223 days in Montague County
Growing Tips for Medlar in Montague County
Direct sow Medlar outdoors after March 28 in Montague County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 223.0-day growing season in Montague 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 Montague County, TX?
Montague County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 28. Plan your Medlar planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Montague County, TX?
Montague County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 28 and first fall frost is November 6.
Your Montague County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Montague County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.