How to Grow Medlars

Introduction To Medlars

Medlar, scientifically known as Mespilus germanica, is a deciduous fruit-bearing tree that belongs to the rose family (Rosaceae). Native to regions of Southeastern Europe and Southwest Asia, the medlar has been cultivated for centuries for its unique fruit. The tree is characterized by its distinctive twisted branches and attractive, serrated green leaves.

The medlar fruit is peculiar in that it is not typically consumed fresh like many other fruits. Instead, it undergoes a process called "bletting" where the fruit is left to ripen and soften after being harvested. This bletting process transforms the initially hard and astringent fruit into a sweet and flavorful pulp. The ripe medlar fruit has a brownish appearance, somewhat resembling a large rosehip.

Cultivating medlar trees can be a rewarding endeavor for gardeners interested in adding an unusual and historical fruit to their orchards. The plant is hardy and can adapt to a variety of soil types, thriving in well-drained soil with full sun exposure. Medlar trees produce attractive white flowers in spring, adding ornamental value to the garden.

Historically, medlar fruit has been enjoyed since ancient times, with references found in literature and art dating back to the medieval period. Despite a decline in popularity in more recent times, medlars are experiencing a resurgence in interest among gardeners and culinary enthusiasts due to their unique flavor and historical significance.

In addition to its culinary uses, medlar trees contribute to the overall aesthetics of a garden, combining both ornamental and functional qualities. With their interesting history, distinct appearance, and unusual fruit, medlar plants provide a delightful and intriguing addition to gardens for those seeking to explore diverse and heritage fruit varieties.
 

Planting Location

The Mespilus germanica, commonly known as the medlar, thrives in specific planting conditions to ensure optimal growth and fruit production. Here are some guidelines for choosing an ideal planting location for medlar trees:

1. **Climate:** Medlar trees are well-suited to temperate climates. They prefer regions with cold winters for proper dormancy but can withstand a range of temperatures. They are adaptable to USDA hardiness zones 5 to 8.

2. **Sunlight:** Choose a planting location that receives full sun to partial shade. Medlar trees perform best when exposed to at least six hours of sunlight daily. However, they can tolerate partial shade, especially in hotter climates.

3. **Soil Type:** Medlars prefer well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. They can tolerate a variety of soil types, including loamy or sandy soils. Good drainage is crucial to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.

4. **Air Circulation:** Ensure proper air circulation around the tree. This helps prevent the development of fungal diseases and ensures that the tree dries quickly after rainfall or irrigation.

5. **Protection from Frost:** While medlars are cold-hardy, late spring frosts can damage blossoms. Plant medlar trees in a location where they are less susceptible to late frost, such as in a higher elevation or away from low-lying frost-prone areas.

6. **Wind Exposure:** Provide some protection from strong winds, especially if you live in an area prone to harsh winds. Windbreaks or planting the tree near a building or natural windbreak can help protect the medlar.

7. **Space:** Medlar trees are generally small to medium-sized, so allow sufficient space for the tree to spread its branches and grow comfortably. Proper spacing ensures good air circulation and prevents overcrowding.

8. **Pollination:** Medlars are generally self-pollinating, but planting more than one tree can increase fruit set. If space allows, consider planting multiple medlar trees to enhance cross-pollination.

When planting a medlar tree, amend the soil with organic matter like compost to improve fertility. Water the tree regularly, especially during the establishment period, and mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Following these guidelines will contribute to a healthy and productive medlar tree in your garden.

 

Medlar Pollination

Medlar trees are generally considered to be self-pollinating, which means that a single tree is capable of producing fruit without the need for pollen from another medlar tree. The flowers of medlar trees contain both male and female reproductive parts, facilitating self-fertilization.

While medlars are primarily self-pollinating, some gardeners believe that planting multiple medlar trees in proximity can enhance fruit set and yield. This is because cross-pollination, where pollen from one tree fertilizes the flowers of another, can potentially increase the chances of successful fruit development. However, even in the absence of other medlar trees, a single tree can still produce fruit.

It's worth noting that weather conditions, including temperature and humidity, can influence the success of pollination and fruit set in medlar trees. Ideal conditions for pollination generally include warm, dry weather during the flowering period.

In summary, medlar trees are self-pollinating, and a single tree can produce fruit. However, if space allows, planting multiple trees may potentially enhance fruit set through cross-pollination. Paying attention to favorable weather conditions during the flowering period can further support successful pollination and fruit development.
 

Medlar Pruning

Pruning medlar trees is crucial for maintaining their shape, promoting healthy growth, and enhancing fruit production. To guide the pruning process, several key principles should be considered. Early pruning is recommended, particularly when the medlar tree is young, to establish a robust and well-shaped framework, fostering an open canopy that allows sunlight and air to reach all parts of the tree. Regular inspection for dead, damaged, or diseased wood is essential, as promptly removing such branches prevents disease spread and contributes to overall tree health. Thinning the canopy through the selective removal of crowded or crossing branches facilitates improved air circulation and sunlight penetration, minimizing disease risks and ensuring even fruit ripening.

Additionally, removing suckers that may emerge from the base of the trunk helps maintain a clean and well-defined trunk. Size control through selective pruning can be applied if desired, although medlars are naturally small to medium-sized trees, minimizing the need for extensive size management. Pruning after harvest, typically in late spring or early summer, allows for shaping the tree based on its growth during the current season. Shaping the canopy involves removing branches that grow inward or toward the center, encouraging an outward-facing structure for optimal light exposure.

Considering that medlar trees bear fruit on the previous year's growth, avoiding heavy pruning of young wood is recommended to encourage fruitful outcomes in the coming season. Over time, some older branches may become less productive, necessitating renewal pruning. This involves removing a few older branches at the base to stimulate the growth of new, productive shoots. Sanitation pruning, involving the regular cleanup of fallen leaves and pruned materials around the tree, is vital to reduce the risk of disease.

Pruners should always use sharp, clean tools during dry weather to minimize disease transmission. Furthermore, tailoring pruning practices to the specific needs and growth habits of the medlar variety is crucial, considering potential variations. Ultimately, successful pruning should be adapted based on the tree's age, health, and the desired shape and size for the garden or orchard.
 

Medlar Care & Maintenance

Caring for and maintaining medlar trees involves a combination of attentive practices to ensure their overall health, proper growth, and fruitful yield. Regular pruning is a fundamental aspect of medlar care, commencing early in the tree's life to establish a robust framework and encourage an open canopy that facilitates sunlight penetration. Removal of dead, damaged, or diseased wood is crucial to prevent the spread of diseases and enhance the tree's well-being. Thinning the canopy through selective branch removal contributes to improved air circulation, reducing the risk of diseases and promoting even fruit ripening.

Additionally, addressing suckers at the base of the trunk maintains a clean and well-defined tree structure. While medlars are naturally small to medium-sized, selective pruning for size control can be applied if necessary. Post-harvest pruning allows for shaping the tree based on its growth during the current season. Shaping the canopy involves removing inward or center-directed branches, fostering an outward-facing structure for optimal light exposure.

Considering that medlar trees bear fruit on the previous year's growth, avoiding heavy pruning of young wood supports fruitful outcomes in the upcoming season. Periodic renewal pruning may be necessary to stimulate new, productive shoot growth by removing less productive older branches. Regular sanitation pruning, involving the cleanup of fallen leaves and pruned materials, is vital for reducing disease risks.

To ensure effective care, the use of sharp, clean pruning tools during dry weather minimizes the risk of disease transmission. Tailoring care practices to the specific needs and growth habits of the medlar variety is essential, considering potential variations. Overall, a well-rounded care and maintenance routine, including proper pruning, contributes to the longevity, health, and productivity of medlar trees in the garden or orchard.

Common Medlar Varieties

Medlar (Mespilus germanica) is a fruit tree with several varieties, each offering slightly different characteristics in terms of fruit size, flavor, and tree growth. Some common medlar varieties include:

1. Nottingham: Nottingham is one of the most well-known medlar varieties. It produces medium to large-sized fruit with a distinctive bumpy appearance. The fruit has a sweet and mildly tart flavor and is often used for eating fresh or making preserves.

2. Dutch: The Dutch medlar variety is recognized for its large fruit size and appealing flavor. The fruit is typically sweet and can be eaten fresh when fully ripened through the bletting process. It is also suitable for culinary uses like jams and jellies.

3. Royal: The Royal medlar variety is known for its large fruit and sweet taste. The fruit ripens late in the season and is valued for fresh consumption or processing into jams and desserts.

4. Westerveld:Westerveld medlar trees produce medium-sized fruit with a sweet and aromatic flavor. The fruit ripens to a reddish-brown color and is often enjoyed fresh or used in culinary applications.

5. Large Russian: As the name suggests, this medlar variety is known for its larger fruit size. The fruit has a sweet and pleasant taste and is commonly used for fresh consumption or making preserves.

6. Breda Giant: Breda Giant is a variety that produces large medlar fruit with a sweet flavor. The tree is hardy and well-suited to various growing conditions.

When choosing a medlar variety for your garden or orchard, consider factors such as climate, soil conditions, and available space. It's essential to select a variety that is well-adapted to your specific growing environment to ensure successful cultivation and a bountiful harvest. Keep in mind that availability of medlar varieties may vary depending on your location and local nurseries.