How to Grow Medlar Royal
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Medlar Royal
Mespilus germanica 'Royal'
treeMedlar Royal is a cultivar of the common medlar, a small ornamental fruit tree producing apple-like fruits that require bletting (softening) before consumption. This variety is prized for both its decorative qualities and its unique, flavorful fruits. It's a hardy, low-maintenance tree suitable for temperate climates.
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Example Medlar Royal timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Medlar Royal
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Medlar Royal
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5-9, with best production in zones 6-8
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Get my Medlar Royal timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
1-2 yearsYoung tree developing primary framework with vigorous upright growth and establishment of root system.
Water regularly, stake if necessary, remove competing shoots, apply balanced fertilizer in spring
Juvenile growth
2-3 yearsTree continues to establish structure with increased branching and gradual slowing of growth rate.
Light pruning to maintain shape, continue regular watering, reduce nitrogen fertilizer, mulch around base
Flowering
3-4 weeks in springTree produces attractive white or pale pink blossoms in spring (April-May) in clusters at branch tips.
Do not prune during flowering, allow bees access, avoid heavy fertilization which reduces flowering
Fruiting
4-5 months (June-October)Small green fruits develop from flowers, gradually enlarging and turning brown-golden as they mature in autumn.
Thin excessive fruit if needed for larger medlars, monitor for pests, avoid overwatering
Harvest & Dormancy
2-3 monthsMature fruits are harvested in late autumn (October-November), then allowed to blet before use. Tree enters dormancy.
Harvest when fruits fall naturally or pick mature brown fruits, store in cool place for bletting, prune in dormancy for shape
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Remove infested fruits, encourage beneficial insects, dormant oil spray in late winter
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Pheromone traps, pick fallen fruit regularly, wrap trunk with burlap bands in autumn
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Strong water spray, organic insecticidal soap, encourage ladybugs and lacewings
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Remove affected leaves, improve air circulation, avoid overhead watering, fungicide spray if severe
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Prune infested branches, horticultural oil spray, insecticidal soap
Uses
Medlar jelly and preserves
CulinaryBletted medlars are traditionally made into jams, jellies, and pastes that have a unique sweet-spicy flavor. The fruit's high pectin content makes it ideal for preserve-making and pairs well with cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. [source]
Traditional digestive remedy
MedicinalMedlar fruit has been used in traditional herbal medicine as a mild astringent to support digestive health. The tannin content provides gut-soothing properties valued in folk medicine practices. [source]
Ornamental specimen tree
HouseholdMedlar Royal serves as an attractive ornamental with delicate spring blossoms and architectural branching structure. Its modest size (15-20 feet) makes it suitable for small gardens and landscape designs. [source]
Medlar cheese and paste
CulinaryBletted medlars can be stewed and made into a dense paste or 'cheese' that can be sliced and served with crackers or cheese boards. This traditional preparation has been enjoyed in Europe for centuries. [source]
Pollinator and wildlife support
WildlifeThe spring flowers attract bees and beneficial insects, while fallen fruit provides food for birds and small mammals in autumn and winter. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest medlars in late October or November when they fall naturally or reach full brown color. Pick before hard frost. Fruits must be bletted (softened through cold and aging) for 1-2 weeks in a cool place before eating—store in a cool room or refrigerator until the flesh softens and becomes sweet. Ripe bletted medlars have a unique, sweet flavor reminiscent of apple sauce with floral notes.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Medlars have been cultivated in Europe since at least the 13th century and were highly prized in medieval and Victorian gardens. Shakespeare referenced medlars in his works, though with some bawdy humor about their appearance.
- 🌱 The bletting process—where medlars must 'rot' slightly before eating—is unique among cultivated fruits and was so important that bletted medlars were a luxury item served at the end of formal 18th-century meals in England.
- 🌱 Medlar Royal is one of the larger-fruited cultivars, producing fruits nearly golf-ball sized, and is considered the finest medlar variety for fruit quality, yet remains relatively rare in modern cultivation despite a growing heritage fruit revival.
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