🍏 Medlar Tree: Growing Guide
Medlar Tree (Mespilus germanica) grows best in full sun with moderate watering, and does well at −20 to 30 °C (−4 to 86 °F) in soil with a pH of 6.0–7.5. Space plants about 400 cm (157 in) apart. Expect 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season).
Quick facts
| Scientific name | Mespilus germanica |
|---|---|
| Category | Fruit Trees |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Watering | Moderate |
| Plant spacing | 400 cm (157 in) |
| Soil pH | 6.0–7.5 |
| Comfortable temperature | −20 to 30 °C (−4 to 86 °F) |
| Time to maturity | 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season) |
| Sowing depth | 10 cm (3.9 in) |
| Height | 200–600 cm (79–236 in) |
When to sow, plant and harvest
The calendar below shows the best months in each climate zone. Pick the zone closest to your garden.
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mediterranean | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | ||||||||
| Continental | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | |||||||||
| Oceanic | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | ||||||||
| Subtropical | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | ||||||||
| Cold / Northern | Plant out | Harvest | ||||||||||
| Arid / Semi-arid | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest |
- Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Plant out: Mar · Harvest: Aug–Oct.
- Continental (Central/Northern Europe, inland Balkans): Plant out: Apr · Harvest: Aug–Sep.
- Oceanic (UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, NW Europe): Plant out: Mar · Harvest: Jul–Sep.
- Subtropical (Southern US, N. Africa, Middle East): Plant out: Feb · Harvest: Jul–Sep.
- Cold / Northern (Scandinavia, Canada, Russia, Alpine): Plant out: Apr · Harvest: Aug.
- Arid / Semi-arid (Arabian Peninsula, inland Australia): Plant out: Feb · Harvest: Jul–Aug.
Watering
Water about every 7 days in summer and about every 21 days in winter. Hardy, moderate watering.
Growing tips
Eaten when "bletted" (after frost). A rare gourmet fruit. A medieval fruit.
Good companion plants
These plants grow well alongside it:
Frequently asked questions
Medlar Tree: when should I sow and plant it?
Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Plant out: Mar · Harvest: Aug–Oct. Continental (Central/Northern Europe, inland Balkans): Plant out: Apr · Harvest: Aug–Sep. Oceanic (UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, NW Europe): Plant out: Mar · Harvest: Jul–Sep.
Medlar Tree: how often should I water it?
Water about every 7 days in summer and about every 21 days in winter. Hardy, moderate watering.
Medlar Tree: how far apart should I plant it?
Plant about 400 cm (157 in) apart and sow at a depth of about 10 cm (3.9 in).
Medlar Tree: how long does it take to grow?
Plan on 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season).
Medlar Tree: which plants grow well with it?
Garlic.
Plan your garden
Add Medlar Tree to your garden design in the free GardenXPro planner: drag plants onto a 2D plan, preview it in 3D, check companions and get watering reminders.
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