Caring for Medlar

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.