How To Grow Medlar Trees: A Guide For Gardeners

Growing Medlar Trees: A Guide for Gardeners

Medlar trees are the underappreciated rebels of the fruit world. They’re quirky, ancient, and unapologetically bizarre. If you’ve never tried growing them, you're in for a treat. These shaggy little trees thrive on low maintenance and give you fruit that doesn’t just ripen—it goes *softly weird* in the best possible way.

What Exactly *Is* a Medlar?

Medlar fruit is a small, brown pome that has been cultivated for thousands of years, though it somehow dodged fame. The flesh is eaten after “bletting,” where it softens and develops a caramelized, custard-like flavor. Slightly fermented undertones? Yes, and they’re glorious.

Back in the day, medlars were nicknamed “open-arses”—a nod to their amusing resemblance when viewed from below. I mean, tell me you’re *not* intrigued already.

Choosing the Right Medlar Tree

If you're planning on growing medlar trees, the first thing you’ll want is a cultivar that matches your space and climate. ‘Nottingham’ is a tidy, compact variety that fits snugly into smaller gardens. Need something more commanding? Go for ‘Royal,’ which leans into a broader and more ornamental vibe.

Medlars tolerate a slew of soil types, but you’ll get the most out of them with a well-drained, loamy soil rich in organic matter. They don’t demand luxury—just a bit of grounded hospitality.

Planting Medlar Trees

Start by planting your medlar in late autumn or early winter, when the soil is still soft but dormant. This gives the roots time to settle in before spring comes roaring through.

1. Dig a hole about twice the width of the root ball, but don’t bury the tree too deep. Keep the graft union above soil level.
2. Add a generous helping of well-rotted compost, unless you enjoy fruit trees giving you side-eye for years.
3. Backfill with soil, tamp it down gently, and water thoroughly.
4. Staking? Not strictly necessary for medlars, but if your area gets windy, it’s worth considering.

Now stand back. Medlars are best left to do their thing.

Medlar Tree Care: Minimalism, But Make It Fruitful

Once planted, medlars are almost bulletproof. They laugh off neglect in a way few fruit trees can manage, but don’t mistake that for invincibility.

Watering

Water deeply during dry spells, especially in the first couple of years. Established medlars handle drought surprisingly well, but a little water now and then ensures your fruit won’t be small or tough.

Feeding

They’re not gluttons, so a handful of balanced fertilizer in early spring will do. Add a sprinkle of potash when buds start forming—it’s the fruit tree equivalent of pouring espresso into tired friends.

Pruning

Prune late winter to early spring, just before buds break. Focus on removing dead or crossing branches. Aim for a goblet shape with an open center. Why? Better sunlight penetration and airflow, which ward off problems like mildew.

Pests and Diseases

Here’s one of the joys of growing medlar—they rarely get pest-ridden or diseased. That said, they’re not completely invincible. Watch for aphids and the occasional fungal spot. If you see either, treat early with neem oil or an organic fungicide.

"Medlars are laid-back, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore them. They thrive best with just a *little* mindful care."

Harvesting and Bletting Medlar Fruit

This is where the magic happens. Medlar fruits are picked in late autumn, around November, once they’re firm but fully grown. They’ll still be hard and unappetizing when you pluck them—that’s normal.

Next comes bletting. Spread them out in a single layer on a tray or plate, keeping them cool but not too cold (think garage, not fridge). Over the next couple of weeks, the fruit softens as enzymes transform its flavor. When they wrinkle slightly and yield to a gentle squeeze, they’re ready.

I distinctly remember the first time I tasted a bletted medlar. The flavor hit me like some secret lovechild of apple cider, dates, and honeyed brandy. Absolutely wild—and utterly worth the wait.

Why Grow Medlars?

Growing medlar isn't about instant gratification. It’s about the slow burn, the long game. These trees give back in unique ways. Their gnarled beauty makes them fantastic centerpiece trees, while their quirky fruit sparks curiosity at every bite.

Medlar trees remind us that sometimes, the best things in life take their time to get a little messy—and that’s exactly where the magic lies.

Medlar is a highly versatile plant that not only provides a spectacular display of white, fragrant flowers in the spring, but also produces small fruits that can be used both fresh or dried in a number of interesting culinary recipes. Its hardiness and minimal maintenance requirements make it a great choice for beginner gardeners and experienced green-thumbs alike! Growing Medlar in your garden provides a great opportunity to learn more about horticulture and create something truly rewarding.