After being forgotten, the medlar is slowly moving back into our gardens. The deciduous medlar tree with its wide crown delights every gardener in our region. It impresses as a hedge or individual eye-catcher in ornamental gardens.
How should I plant a medlar correctly?
To properly plant a medlar tree, it should be planted in spring in a sunny location with loose, loamy, slightly calcareous and warm soil. The plant is self-pollinating and prefers dry soils. Choose a suitable variety according to the available space.
Easy cultivation
Basically, similar requirements apply to cultivation as for fruit trees. However, the medlar tree has some peculiarities. This heat-loving fruit tree is best planted in spring because it is very sensitive to late frosts and low winter temperatures. In addition, winter drought has a negative impact on growth. You can plant the medlar tree in March or April if severe night frosts can be ruled out. It is often used as a small flowering tree or hedge bush. Since this plant is self-pollinating, it does not require pollen donor varieties in the immediate vicinity.
Finding a right location
Choose a sunny spot as the optimal location for the medlar tree. He will gratefully accept this with lush flowers and plenty of fruit. Make sure the soil is loose, clayey, slightly calcareous and warm. It is sufficient if the medlar is only watered now and then. Regardless of the variety, his preference is for dry soil.
The right variety for the right place
Before planting, it is highly recommended to check the appropriate location for sufficient area for sustainable growth. For example, the Hungarian or Royal medlar grows like a bush. They require a corresponding amount of space. In contrast, there are also small, seedless varieties that only require a small area for optimal growth.
Easy-care species with abundant harvest
When it comes to care, you don't have to pay attention to many details with the decorative medlar tree. If necessary, it is recommended that you remove dry branches from the tree. The medlar thrives on occasional thinning. She will thank you at the end of October to November when the soft, sweet and sour fruits are ripe. You can use this tasty fruit at any time to make compote, jelly, jam or cake as you wish. A wonderful taste experience is created when combined with apples.
Apart from that, the cultivated medlar tree has the advantage that, unlike its wild relatives, it has no thorns. This means that nothing stands in the way of a pleasant harvest or a conveniently manageable offcut.