When to Plant Medlar in Spokane County, WA
Your June gardening checklist
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Spokane County, Washington this June and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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Move medlar from tray to bed
Water the tray well an hour before you transplant. Roots slide out cleanly and settle in faster.
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.
Spokane County, Washington is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 11 and the first fall frost is September 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 139 days.
At an elevation of 1,645 feet, Spokane County receives approximately 20.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Medlar during the growing season.
Spokane County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Medlar 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 Spokane County
How your county's soil matches Medlar's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5–6.2) is more acidic than Medlar prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Spokane County is excellent for Medlar — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (5.4%) — Medlar will thrive.
How to Plant Medlar
Medlar 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 | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 1.3" | 3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 0.8" | 3.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 0.3" | 4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 0.4" | 3.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 0.7" | 3.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Spokane 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 — Spokane County, WA
Medlar Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | June 1 | Jun 1 – Jun 15 |
· 120" apart · Rows 144" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
1095–1825 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
139 days in Spokane County
Growing Tips for Medlar in Spokane County
Direct sow Medlar outdoors after May 11 in Spokane County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 139.0-day growing season in Spokane County is tight for Medlar (1095.0-1825.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
Spokane County receives only 20" of rain annually. Medlar needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
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 Spokane County, WA?
Spokane County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of May 11. Plan your Medlar planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Spokane County, WA?
Spokane County, Washington is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 11 and first fall frost is September 27.
Your Spokane County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Spokane County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.