Medlar

Profile

Family

Rosaceae

Habit

Tree

Height

6 m

Spread

6 m

Growth

medium

Lifespan

150 years

First yield

after 4 years

Hardiness

zone 6–10

Shade tolerance

partial shade

Soil

Sand, Silt, Loam

Soil moisture

semi-dry – moist

pH

6 – 7.5

Flowering & harvest

Times apply to the northern hemisphere in a temperate climate and shift with altitude and cultivar.

Uses

Edible: Fruit can be consumed either raw or cooked. In regions with cooler temperate climates, the fruits may not fully ripen but can still be picked when firm in late autumn, preferably after exposure to frost. Before consuming raw, these fruits need to be cored. To do this, they are stored upside down in a cool place until they reach a stage just before rotting, known as incipient blight. During this phase, the white flesh transforms into brown, becomes very soft, and offers a high level of sweetness with an exceptionally delightful taste, somewhat similar to a delicious tropical fruit. While the wild species' fruits typically have a diameter of up to 25 mm, certain varieties can grow to 65 mm or even larger.

Growing

Thrives in most soils, preferably moist and well-drained, and prefers a sunny location with fertile soil. Occasionally cultivated for its edible fruits, including several named varieties.

Propagation

Seeds should be sown right after they mature in late autumn in a cool environment. The seeds have a tough outer coat and typically need two winters to germinate. To aid germination, commercial seeds are treated with sulfuric acid. For home gardeners, soaking the seeds in warm water for a day and then cold stratifying them at 1-5°C for 2-3 months before planting could be an alternative method. If seeds are harvested early while still green, they can be sown immediately to speed up germination. Transplant seedlings into individual pots once they are big enough and let them grow in a cool environment over the first winter. Finally, plant them in their permanent spot in late spring or early summer after the last frost. Take cuttings from mature wood in November in a cold storage area, but success rates are generally low. Layering can be done in autumn or spring and will last for 18 months.

Notable

Special features: Unripe fruits have a tannin content of approximately 2.6%. Tannin: causes protein flocculation; reduces cloudiness in wine, apple, and pear juice; no risk of late frost; best grafted onto hawthorn. Layering takes 18 months to root.

Origin & habitat

Southeastern Europe to Western Asia. Occasionally naturalized in the region.

Forests at altitudes ranging from 1300 to 2000 meters in western China.

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