Choosing the Perfect Spot for Your Medlar Tree
Choose a spot in full sun for your medlar tree. Medlar trees require at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day to produce fruit. They also need adequate spacing, at least 15 to 20 feet between trees. Medlar trees can grow 15 to 20 feet wide, so give them plenty of room.
Well-drained, loose soil is essential for medlar trees. They do not tolerate sitting in water and wet soils can lead to root rot. If you have heavy clay soil, plant the tree on a mound or hill to improve drainage. A loamy, sandy soil with compost or other organic matter is ideal. Medlar trees prefer a soil pH between 5.5 to 7.0. You may need to amend the soil to lower or raise the pH level before planting.
According to a study in the Journal of Experimental Botany, young medlar trees require irrigation for optimum growth and fruit production. Water regularly, especially for the first few years after planting. Once established, medlar trees become fairly drought tolerant but production may decrease without adequate moisture.
Choosing the Perfect Spot for Your Medlar Tree
Choose a spot in full sun for your medlar tree. Medlar trees require at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day to produce fruit. They also need adequate spacing, at least 15 to 20 feet between trees. Medlar trees can grow 15 to 20 feet wide, so give them plenty of room.
Well-drained, loose soil is essential for medlar trees. They do not tolerate sitting in water and wet soils can lead to root rot. If you have heavy clay soil, plant the tree on a mound or hill to improve drainage. A loamy, sandy soil with compost or other organic matter is ideal. Medlar trees prefer a soil pH between 5.5 to 7.0. You may need to amend the soil to lower or raise the pH level before planting.
According to a study in the Journal of Experimental Botany , young medlar trees require irrigation for optimum growth and fruit production. Water regularly, especially for the first few years after planting. Once established, medlar trees become fairly drought tolerant but production may decrease without adequate moisture.
Preparing the Soil for Your Medlar Tree
Preparing the soil before planting is key to getting your medlar tree off to a good start. Medlar trees require well-drained, slightly acidic soil with lots of organic matter. If you have heavy clay soil, it is especially important to amend it before planting.
To determine your soil type, test your soil’s drainage and pH level. Clay soils drain poorly, while sandy soils drain rapidly. For drainage, dig a hole one foot deep and fill it with water. If it drains completely within an hour, you have well-drained soil. For pH, you can purchase an inexpensive soil testing kit. The ideal range for medlars is 5.5 to 7.0.
To improve drainage and conditioning, incorporate the following amendments into your native soil before planting:
- Compost or Manure: Mix in 2 to 3 inches of compost or manure per 100 square feet to add nutrients and improve structure. Let it sit for at least 2 weeks before planting.
- Peat Moss: Add in 1 cubic foot of peat moss per 100 square feet. It helps increase acidity and improve drainage.
- Perlite: For clay soils, add in 3 to 4 cubic feet of perlite per 100 square feet. It is great for increasing drainage and aeration.
- Bone Meal: Use 1 to 2 pounds per 100 square feet. It adds phosphorus to the soil to help with root development.
Avoid over-amending the soil, as it can damage young medlar tree roots. Only add enough amendments to balance the pH and moderately improve the drainage and soil structure. Once your soil is prepared, let it rest for at least 2 to 4 weeks before planting. This allows the amendments to fully integrate and helps stabilize soil temperature and moisture levels.
According to the US National Library of Medicine, soil preparation is one of the most important aspects of successful tree planting and establishment. Taking the time to properly amend and condition your soil before planting will give your medlar tree the best possible start.
Planting Your Medlar Tree: Step-by-Step Instructions
Once you have prepared the planting site and conditioned the soil, you are ready to plant your medlar tree. For the best results, select a high-quality medlar cultivar that is suited to your climate. Purchase either a container-grown or bare-root tree.
Container-Grown: Release the tree from its container and check that the roots are not tightly circling the root ball. If necessary, make four shallow cuts through the roots to encourage outward growth before planting.
Bare-Root: Soak the roots in a bucket of water for 30 minutes before planting. Be very careful not to damage the roots during handling and planting.
Follow these steps for planting your medlar tree:
- Dig a planting hole 2 to 3 times the width of the root ball and slightly shallower than the root ball height. Place the top of the root ball level with the surrounding soil.
- Position the tree in the center of the hole. Make sure the root ball is level and the graft union remains well above the soil line for container-grown trees.
- Backfill the hole with the soil you removed, then firm it around the base of the root ball. Do not plant too deep, or cover the root ball with more than 2 inches of soil.
- Form a shallow basin around the base of the trunk. Water thoroughly until the soil is soaked through.
- Mulch around the base of the tree with 3 to 4 inches of organic mulch like compost or wood chips. Keep mulch 6 to 12 inches away from the trunk.
- Stake the tree to provide support only if necessary. Remove stakes after the first year of growth.
- Water the tree thoroughly every 7 to 10 days during the first few years of establishment. Never let the soil dry out completely.
With the proper care and attention after planting, your medlar tree should establish successfully and thrive. Medlars can have a productive lifespan of 50 to 100 years, so taking the time to plant correctly will pay off with decades of enjoyment!
Caring for Your Medlar Tree: Watering, Fertilizing, and Pruning
Young medlar trees require regular watering for the first 3 to 5 years after planting. Water the tree thoroughly until the top 12 inches of soil are soaked through. As a general rule, water container-grown trees every 7 to 10 days and bare-root trees every 5 to 7 days. Be sure to adjust based on rainfall and soil conditions. Once established, water the tree during extended drought periods.
Medlar trees should be fertilized once a year in early spring before new growth starts. Use a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium such as 10-10-10. Apply at a rate of 1 to 2 pounds per 100 square feet within the drip line of the tree. Maintain a 3 to 4 inch layer of mulch around the tree which will slowly feed the tree as it decomposes.
Pruning medlar trees is essential to developing a strong framework and maximizing fruit production. In early years, focus on formative pruning to shape the tree. Prune in late winter or early spring before bud break. After the tree begins to bear fruit (usually 3-5 years after planting), switch to maintenance pruning:
- Remove any dead, damaged or crossing branches
- Thin out crowded branches to improve airflow
- Prune side shoots coming off main branches to about 6 inches to stimulate spur growth
- Remove suckers growing from below the graft union or buds sprouting from the trunk
- After harvesting, cut main branches back by about one-third to stimulate new fruiting spurs
According to a review in the Journal of Agriculture and Environment, proper pruning, fertilization, and irrigation of medlar trees can increase growth, yield, and fruit quality. By providing medlar trees the right amount of nutrients, water, and pruning, you will keep your tree healthy and promote yearly fruit harvests for decades. With periodic maintenance and care, medlar trees can remain productive for 50 to 100 years.
Harvesting and Storing Your Medlars
Medlars are ready to harvest once fully ripe, which typically occurs in late fall or early winter after the first frost. The medlars need to soften on the tree before picking to develop the best flavor. Check your medlars frequently as they near maturity. They are ready when:
•The fruit is a deep yellowish-brown and soft to the touch. Press gently with your thumb to check for softness.
•The medlars detach easily from the tree with a slight twist. If they do not come off readily, they are not yet ripe enough.
•The calyx (flower end) has opened, exposing the inner core. This is a key indicator of ripeness.
Once ripe, pick the medlars carefully by hand. Be very gentle to avoid bruising the delicate fruit. Do not pull the fruit off forcefully. Handle the medlars as little as possible after picking and place them gently into shallow boxes lined with straw or newspaper.
Medlars have an extremely short shelf life after ripening and may only last 1 to 3 weeks if left unpreserved. For short term storage (up to 1-2 weeks), keep medlars in the refrigerator. Place them in a perforated plastic bag along with a damp paper towel. Check frequently for signs of decay and use any medlars that start to soften.
For longer term preservation, medlars can be:
•Frozen – Wash, halve and core the medlars. Briefly blanch, then freeze halves or slices on a baking sheet before transferring to an airtight container or plastic freezer bags. Use within 6-8 months.
•Canned – Follow a recipe for canning fruit and sterilizing jars. Pack medlar halves or slices in syrup or juice and process in a boiling water bath according to safe canning procedures. Canned medlars can last 6-12 months.
•Dried – Wash, halve and core medlars. Slice thinly and arrange on a baking sheet in a single layer. Place in a dehydrator or 140 F oven for 12-18 hours until dried. Transfer to an airtight jar. Dried medlars can last 6-12 months.
•Made into preserves, chutneys or cheese – Medlars pair well with spices like cinnamon, clove and nutmeg. Follow recipes for medlar preserves, chutney or cheese, then can or jar and refrigerate for several months.
According to the National Center for Home Food Preservation, proper harvesting, handling and storage are necessary to maximize the quality and shelf life of medlars. When preserved, medlars can be enjoyed for many months after the fresh fruit has season has ended.
Common Problems and Solutions for Medlar Trees
Medlar trees are susceptible to certain diseases, pests, and environmental issues that can affect their health and productivity. By properly identifying problems early and taking appropriate actions, you can keep your medlar tree in good condition and minimize impacts. Some of the common issues found with medlar trees include:
Brown rot: This fungal disease causes soft brown spots on fruit, flowers, and twigs that eventually rot. Remove and destroy infected plant parts. Apply copper or lime sulfur sprays twice a month during moist periods. Improve air circulation around the tree.
Scale insects: Scale suck sap from the tree and secret honeydew that leads to sooty moulds. Apply horticultural oil sprays every 10-14 days in early spring. Increase natural enemies like ladybugs or lacewings.
Aphids: Green aphids feed on new shoots and the underside of leaves. They secrete honeydew and stunt growth. Apply insecticidal soap sprays every 5-7 days or until infestation is controlled. Prune off infested shoots. Promote predatory insects.
Canker: This fungal disease causes bark lesions, wounds and dieback on branches or trunks. Prune out infected wood at least 6 inches below canker. Disinfect shears after each cut. Apply wound paint or fungicide to pruning cuts. Improve air circulation.
Drought stress: Medlar trees naturally grow in areas of moderate rainfall and can suffer drought damage. Water thoroughly, especially when young. Apply a thick layer of mulch. Increase frequency during hot or dry periods.
Cold injury: Late spring frosts can damage flowers and new growth. Plant medlar trees in a location protected from spring frost. Cover trees with frost protection cloth if cold weather threatens during bloom time.
According to a review in Pests, Diseases and Disorders of Medlars, regular monitoring, proper pruning, adequate irrigation and appropriate pest management strategies can help prevent common issues impacting medlar trees. When problems are detected early and organic methods are used, medlar trees can resist damage and maintain good health.
