How to Grow Medlar

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Medlar

Mespilus germanica

tree

Medlar is a small deciduous tree native to southwestern Asia and southeastern Europe, producing distinctive brown, apple-like fruits with a large open calyx. The tree is ornamental year-round, with attractive spring flowers, glossy leaves that turn russet in fall, and gnarled branches. The fruits require bletting (softening through frost or storage) before eating and have a unique, pleasant tart flavor.

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Dutch Nottingham Macrocarpa Royal Westerveld Fleshier

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Example Medlar timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Medlar
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Medlar
Late summer into fall

Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Medlar dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily; tolerates partial shade but fruits better in full sun

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Water: Moderate water needs once established; drought-tolerant but produces better fruit with consistent moisture during growing season. Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep rooting.

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Spacing: 240 inches

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Days to maturity: 2-3 years for first fruit; 5-7 years for substantial production

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Planting depth: Plant grafted trees at same depth as nursery pot; ensure graft union is above soil line

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil; tolerates poor and sandy soils better than most fruit trees

pH: 6.0-7.5

Amendments:

Compost Aged manure Perlite for drainage if soil is heavy clay

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 5-9, with best fruit production in zones 6-8

5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b

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Growth Stages

Establishment

1-2 years

Young tree develops root system and basic branch framework; minimal flowering in first year or two

Water regularly during first growing season, mulch base, prune to develop strong central leader or open vase shape. Stake if necessary for wind protection.

Flowering

3-4 weeks in spring

Tree produces large, pale pink or white flowers with prominent stamens, typically in mid-spring. Flowers are self-fertile but benefit from cross-pollination.

Minimal pruning during flowering; allow bees and other pollinators to access flowers. Protect from late spring frosts if possible.

Fruit Development

4-5 months (May/June through September/October)

Small green fruits develop where flowers were pollinated; fruits gradually enlarge and change color to russet-brown by fall

Thin fruits if overcrowded (leaving 6 inches between fruits) to encourage larger, higher-quality fruits. Water consistently. Avoid excess nitrogen which promotes foliage over fruit.

Fruit Ripening & Maturation

2-3 months (September through November)

Fruits reach full size and develop characteristic brown color with visible open calyx at end; still hard and astringent

Allow fruits to stay on tree through fall and first frosts if possible. Light frosts improve flavor. Do not harvest until September/October or later.

Harvest & Bletting

2-4 weeks depending on temperature

Fruits are picked hard and left to 'blet' (soften) through cold storage or continued frost exposure; flesh becomes creamy and edible

Pick fruits after first hard frost or store at 35-40°F for 2-4 weeks. Handle carefully as fruits bruise easily. Fruit is ready to eat when very soft and nearly collapsing.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Hawthorn Crab apple Serviceberry Wildflowers that attract pollinators Nitrogen-fixing ground covers like clover

Avoid planting near:

Black walnut (releases juglone) Tall trees that would shade the medlar

Common Pests

Thin damaged fruits early; use pheromone traps for monitoring; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap if severe
Use pheromone traps, remove mummified fruits, wrap young fruits with bags in late spring
Prune to improve air circulation, remove infected fruits promptly, apply fungicide in wet spring conditions if needed
Trap near ripening fruits or harvest slightly earlier; generally not a major problem as medlars are hard when pests are most active

Uses

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Medlar Jelly & Preserves

Culinary

Medlar fruits are traditionally made into jelly, paste, cheese, or jam. The natural pectin content makes jelly-making ideal. The unique flavor—described as tart, slightly sweet, with hints of apple and spice—pairs well with cheese and game meats. [source]

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Fresh Eating

Culinary

Once properly bletted, the soft flesh can be eaten raw with a spoon, sometimes with cream or wine. The flavor is acquired but appreciated by those familiar with the fruit. [source]

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Traditional Digestive Aid

Medicinal

Historically used in folk medicine to support digestive health and treat diarrhea, likely due to tannin content and astringency when unripe. Modern use is primarily culinary rather than medicinal. [source]

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Garden & Landscape Tree

Ornamental

The medlar is prized as a decorative tree with attractive spring flowers, excellent fall foliage color, picturesque gnarled form, and long season of interest. Well-suited to small gardens, orchards, and heritage plantings. [source]

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Pollinator & Bird Support

Wildlife

Abundant spring flowers provide excellent nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinators. Birds may eat bletted fruits in late winter when food is scarce. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Pick fruits in late autumn (October-November) after the first hard frost, when they easily detach from the tree. Leave them on the tree as long as weather permits. Fruits must be bletted (softened) before eating—either by leaving on the tree through several frosts or by storing in a cool place (35-40°F) for 2-4 weeks until the flesh becomes soft and creamy. The fruit is ready to eat when nearly collapsing and the flesh is brown and custard-like. Use a spoon to scoop out the edible flesh, avoiding the hard seeds.

Fun Facts

🌱 Medlar has been cultivated since ancient times and was highly prized in medieval Europe, mentioned in Shakespeare's works ('open-arse' was a common English name due to the fruit's distinctive large calyx opening)
🌱 The tree can live and produce fruit for 50+ years, making it a long-term investment in a garden; some historic medlar trees in Europe are over 200 years old
🌱 Bletting—the unique ripening process where the fruit softens through frost or cold storage—is one of the few examples of post-harvest fruit maturation in temperate fruit species, similar to quince

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Full Sun Mulch Partial Shade Pollination

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