Growing Medlar Trees: A Gardener's Guide to Success

Choosing the Best Spot for Growing Medlar

The first medlar tree I planted stood miserably shaded behind my garden shed, offering little in return. When I moved it to a sunny, open corner, it finally flourished.

Sunlight matters greatly to medlars. Ensure at least six hours of direct daily sun. Less than that, and fruiting becomes a rare event.

Well-drained soil makes a bigger difference than you might imagine. Medlars detest soggy feet and thrive in loamy, fertile, neutral-to-slightly-acidic soils.

Picking the Perfect Medlar Variety

Varieties differ considerably, but here's the twist—all medlars share their quirky fruit.

One favorite of mine, the 'Nottingham', produces reliable, pleasantly flavored fruits ideal for preserves. Another standout, the large-fruited 'Royal', yields fruit so substantial it reliably impresses garden guests.

Planting Your Medlar

Get planting in either autumn or early spring when the soil stays moist and workable.

1. Dig a hole twice the width and depth of the root ball.
2. Loosen roots gently, position in the hole, and backfill firmly.
3. Water generously, and add a thick mulch layer to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Caring for Your Medlar Tree

Pruning regularly keeps your medlar tidy and productive. I recommend pruning in late winter or early spring before new growth appears.

Remove dead branches, crossing limbs, and open up the center to boost sunlight and airflow. Don't be shy—medlars tolerate pruning well and respond vigorously.

Regular watering during dry spells keeps your tree consistently happy. However, mature medlars usually survive comfortably without heavy watering.

Common Problems to Watch For

Luckily, medlars suffer fewer issues than many fruit trees. Occasionally, watch out for fungal diseases like leaf spot or rust.

Healthy airflow and prompt removal of fallen leaves significantly reduce the risk of fungal infections.

Birds and wildlife sometimes get curious about ripe fruits, but sharing a few fruits never bothered me much.

The Art of Bletting: Harvesting and Enjoying Medlar Fruit

Harvesting medlars requires patience. They're unusual—unripe fruits taste harsh and unpleasant.

Instead, they require "bletting," a fancy term for controlled decomposition. Wait until after the first frost, then harvest the hardened fruits, which resemble large brown rose hips.

• Place harvested medlars in a cool, airy spot indoors.
• Leave them for several weeks to soften and ripen into a sugary, custard-like treat.

Bletted medlars offer an unforgettable sweet, spicy, apple-like flavor—perfect for jellies, desserts, or spooned fresh straight from their skins.

Propagating New Medlar Trees

Feeling adventurous? Medlars propagate readily from seed, although patience proves necessary.

Sow seeds in autumn into pots outdoors, letting winter cold stimulate germination. Expect sprouts the following spring, but know that seedlings may take five to eight years to fruit.

Alternatively, grafting onto quince rootstocks speeds things along significantly, typically producing fruit within two to three years.

Growing medlar enriches your garden in unexpected, delightful ways. This ancient, eccentric fruit tree rewards your care with a uniquely delicious bounty.

Growing medlar isn't your typical walk in the orchard. These quirky, centuries-old fruit trees offer gardeners a taste of tradition, texture, and rustic charm. Cultivate medlars in fertile, well-drained soil and full sun; give them space to sprawl and breathe. Be patient—these gnarly beauties mature late, rewarding attentive growers with peculiar fruits ideal for jams, jellies, and rich preserves. Choose wisely, prune thoughtfully, nurture with care, and your medlar will become a conversation piece that honors an age-old horticultural heritage. Cultivating medlars connects gardeners—wise enough to wander slightly off the beaten path—with nature's forgotten flavors.