When to Plant Medlar in Nacogdoches County, TX
May in Nacogdoches County, Texas — your action list
Welcome to May in Zone 8b. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
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.
Nacogdoches County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 7 and the first fall frost is November 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 254 days.
At an elevation of 21 feet, Nacogdoches County receives approximately 64.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Medlar during the growing season. 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.
Nacogdoches County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.5
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 Nacogdoches County
How your county's soil matches Medlar's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–6.5) overlaps with Medlar's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Nacogdoches 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 moderate (2.0%). Annual compost additions will help 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 | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 8.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 11.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 8.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 7.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 2" | 2.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Nacogdoches 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 — Nacogdoches County, TX
Medlar Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | March 28 | Mar 28 – Apr 11 |
· 120" apart · Rows 144" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | — |
| 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
254 days in Nacogdoches County
Growing Tips for Medlar in Nacogdoches County
Direct sow Medlar outdoors after March 07 in Nacogdoches County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Nacogdoches County dries quickly — mulch Medlar with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
Your 254.0-day growing season in Nacogdoches 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 Nacogdoches County, TX?
Nacogdoches County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 7. Plan your Medlar planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Nacogdoches County, TX?
Nacogdoches County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 7 and first fall frost is November 16.
Your Nacogdoches County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Nacogdoches County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.