Medlar in March: monthly care

Medlar thrives in full sun or partial shade, though fruit production is best in a sunny, sheltered spot. It tolerates a range of soils but performs particularly well in loam or clay soil with good moisture retention. Choose a site with space: mature trees reach 3–5 metres in height and spread, so allow at least 4 metres between trees or other large plants. Plant bare-root medlars in October, November or March, when the tree is dormant. Container-grown specimens can go in at any time outside hard frost, but autumn or early spring planting gives roots time to establish before the growing season. Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and deep enough so the soil mark on the stem sits level with the surrounding ground. Break up compacted soil at the base and sides of the hole to encourage roots to spread. Position the tree in the hole, backfill with the excavated soil mixed with a little well-rotted compost or manure, and firm gently with your heel to eliminate air pockets. Avoid burying the graft union if your tree is grafted. Water thoroughly after planting, even if the soil is already damp, to settle the roots. Apply a 5–7 cm layer of organic mulch (compost, bark or well-rotted manure) around the base, keeping it a few centimetres clear of the trunk to prevent rot. Stake young trees with a short, angled stake and a tree tie to prevent wind rock while roots establish. Check and adjust the tie regularly in the first two years to avoid constriction as the trunk thickens.

Medlar has moderate water needs. Water regularly during the first two growing seasons to help roots establish, especially during dry spells in spring and summer. Once established, the tree is reasonably drought-tolerant but benefits from deep watering during prolonged dry periods, particularly when fruit is developing in summer and autumn. Avoid waterlogging: medlar tolerates clay soil but dislikes sitting in saturated ground over winter. Feed once a year in March with a balanced general-purpose fertiliser or a handful of blood, fish and bone scattered around the root zone and lightly forked in. Alternatively, apply a 5 cm layer of well-rotted compost or manure as a mulch in early spring; this feeds the soil, conserves moisture and suppresses weeds in one go. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds, which promote soft growth at the expense of fruiting. Medlar is fully hardy in zones 5a–8b and needs no winter protection in temperate Europe. It flowers in spring, usually May, with attractive white blossoms. The unusual fruits ripen in October and November but are harvested hard and left to "blet" (soften and sweeten) indoors before eating. Pests and diseases are rarely serious. Watch for aphids on new growth in spring; a strong jet of water usually dislodges them. Leaf spot can occur in wet summers but seldom causes lasting harm. Canker and fireblight are possible but uncommon; prune out affected wood promptly if you see dieback or oozing lesions. Refresh the mulch layer each spring to maintain soil health and reduce weed competition around the base.

Medlar has moderate water needs. Water regularly during the first two growing seasons to help roots establish, especially during dry spells in spring and summer. Once established, the tree is reasonably drought-tolerant but benefits from deep watering during prolonged dry periods, particularly when fruit is developing in summer and autumn. Avoid waterlogging: medlar tolerates clay soil but dislikes sitting in saturated ground over winter. Feed once a year in March with a balanced general-purpose fertiliser or a handful of blood, fish and bone scattered around the root zone and lightly forked in. Alternatively, apply a 5 cm layer of well-rotted compost or manure as a mulch in early spring; this feeds the soil, conserves moisture and suppresses weeds in one go. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds, which promote soft growth at the expense of fruiting. Medlar is fully hardy in zones 5a–8b and needs no winter protection in temperate Europe. It flowers in spring, usually May, with attractive white blossoms. The unusual fruits ripen in October and November but are harvested hard and left to "blet" (soften and sweeten) indoors before eating. Pests and diseases are rarely serious. Watch for aphids on new growth in spring; a strong jet of water usually dislodges them. Leaf spot can occur in wet summers but seldom causes lasting harm. Canker and fireblight are possible but uncommon; prune out affected wood promptly if you see dieback or oozing lesions. Refresh the mulch layer each spring to maintain soil health and reduce weed competition around the base.