Medlar Trees

Medlar trees can be grown in large containers, especially dwarf varieties, but require consistent watering and feeding. Ensure the pot has good drainage and is large enough to accommodate root growth for several years. Repotting or root pruning may be necessary periodically to maintain vigour.

Medlar trees are generally robust and resistant to many common problems. However, they can occasionally be affected by issues such as powdery mildew, leaf spot, or aphids, similar to other members of the rose family. Good garden hygiene and air circulation help maintain tree health.

Medlar trees typically grow to be small to medium-sized, reaching heights of 3 to 6 metres (10 to 20 feet) with a similar spread. They often develop a picturesque, open-branched structure. Their size makes them suitable for smaller gardens.

Medlar trees prefer temperate climates with adequate rainfall and distinct seasons. They grow best in fertile, loamy, well-drained soil and require a sunny position to ensure good fruit development. They are quite hardy once established.

Once bletted, medlars are often used to make jellies, jams, and fruit cheeses, as their pectin content is high. They can also be eaten raw, scooped out of their skin, or incorporated into various desserts. Their flavour is often described as a mix of apple, date, and wine.

Medlar fruits are usually harvested in late autumn, often after the first hard frosts. This timing helps initiate the softening process known as bletting, which is crucial for their edibility. Unbletted fruits are very astringent.

No, freshly picked medlars are very hard and unpalatably astringent. They must undergo a process called 'bletting' where they soften and develop a sweet, tangy flavour. This usually takes several weeks after harvest.

Medlar trees thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. They are relatively low-maintenance, requiring moderate watering during dry periods and light pruning to remove dead or crossing branches. Minimal shaping is generally needed.

A medlar tree (Mespilus germanica) is a small, deciduous fruit tree in the rose family. It is cultivated for its distinctive fruit, which is typically eaten after a softening process called 'bletting'. Medlars have been grown in Britain for centuries.