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When to Plant Medlar in Floyd County, VA

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.

Floyd County, Virginia is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 181 days.

At an elevation of 833 feet, Floyd County receives approximately 49.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Medlar during the growing season.

Floyd County, VA (Zone 7a) Moderate season
181 days
Last Spring Frost April 23
181 growing days
First Fall Frost October 21

Floyd County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.2-7

Drainage

Well Drained

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 3.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 5.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 3.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Floyd County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Medlar Planting Timeline — Floyd County, VA

Medlar Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 14 May 14 – May 28

· 120" apart · Rows 144" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April
May Transplant Outdoors
June
July
August
September
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

1095–1825 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 7a

📆 Growing Season

181 days in Floyd County

Growing Tips for Floyd County

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 →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Medlar in Floyd County, VA?

Floyd County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 23. Plan your Medlar planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Floyd County, VA?

Floyd County, Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and first fall frost is October 21.

🌱

Your Floyd County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Floyd 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.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Floyd County, VA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.