tree

Medlar

Mespilus germanica

Updated 8 Jul 2026 · AI-parsed entry

Medlar (Mespilus germanica) — a tree, for Full sun, Medium water.

What it needs & gives back

↓ Needs

Sunlightfull sun to partial shade
Watermedium

↑ Gives back

Fruitedible fruit
Biomassmedium

Through the year

Emergence

Bud break and leaf emergence typically occur after the last spring frost and when air temperatures consistently rise above 50C.

Flowering

Flowering occurs approximately 30 days after leaf emergence, typically in late spring to early summer.

Fruiting

Fruit development begins after flowering and continues through summer, with fruits maturing in late autumn.

Harvest

Medlar fruits are typically harvested after the first significant autumn frost, which softens them and improves flavor (bletting).

Senescence

Leaves begin to senesce and drop after the first autumn frost and as day lengths shorten.

Dormancy

The tree enters dormancy shortly after leaf drop, triggered by cold temperatures and short days, lasting through winter.

Timing is relative to your local season (temperate Northern Hemisphere).

Soil interactions

Drainagewell-drained
Nitrogen fixingNo
MycorrhizalYes
Accumulatespotassium, calcium
Soil textureloam, clay, sandy loam
Organic matterMedium
Compaction toleranceMedium

Propagation

Methodsseed, grafting, budding
Difficulty3 / 5
Establishes in~3 yr
Stratificationrequires cold stratification for 90-120 days
Self-seedingLight
Divisionnot applicable

Wildlife & pests

Attractsbees, pollinators
Can host pestsaphids, codling moth, fruit tree red spider mite
Can host diseasesfire blight, leaf spot