Medlar Tree
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Medlar Tree
Mespilus germanica A small tree cultivated since ancient times, this unusual fruit tree is harvested in Winter and is eaten raw or in a variety of dishes. The fruit is ready when it is 'bletted', meaning browned.Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Medlar Tree
Medlar tree or Azgil are deciduous large shrub or small tree cultivated since the ancient time. This unusual fruit tree is harvested in winter, and is eaten raw or in a variety of dishes. The fruit is ready when it is ‘bletted’, meaning browned. Medlar trees grow wildly in Europe and Asia. In Iran, the fruits, leaves, bark and wood of the tree are used as medicines for ailments.
The fruit needs humidity to ripen. Supplemental water maybe needed when planted inland. Pick the fruit early and place in a plastic bag with water and absorbent material like straw or mulch and place in the refrigerator to help fruit with bletting.
Medlar does well near the Coast. Plant them in Malibu, Â Santa Monica,Santa Barbara, Ventura, Agoura Hills and in San Diego. Plant where it will receive morning sun and afternoon shade and provide supplemental water to simulate the coast in areas such as Los Angeles.
Plant Care Information
How To Water - Frequency and Duration to Irrigate
Irrigation Water Quantity and frequency based on tree maturity – Fully saturate the soil with water once per week during the early spring. Increase to twice per week as the weather warms. Water 3 times per week or more during hot summers. Provide about 5 gallons of water for a 5 gallons size plant, 15 gallons of water for a #15 size container plant, and 25 gallons for a #25 depending on soil type. Sandy soils can hold less water required more frequently, while clay soils can hold more water and require less frequent irrigation. Young trees with less developed roots require water more frequently while mature plants with developed roots will require less frequent watering.
Fertilizer and Plant Nutrition
Fertilize your tree every 3-4 months. Use a complete balance fertilizer with a 1-1-1 or 2-1-1 NPK ratio during the Spring and Summer growing season, and a formula with more phosphorus and potassium before the tree flowers to improve fruit production and development.
Winter Pruning and Summer Thinning
Prune your tree to allow light into its center for proper growth and fruit production.Â
Prune fruit trees in the Winter to maintain size and shape to prepare for Spring growth. Thin the tree in the Summer, and remove excessive fruits. Remove any dry twigs and branches. Cut off any new growth below the graft or very low in the tree, this will direct the plant’s energy to its main branches. Thin your trees during the Spring and Summer seasons to ensure the plant’s energy is directed as desired. Harvest ripe fruit to prevent undesired pests.
Harvesting and Pest Management
The basics of integrated pest management is cleanliness and the use of a combination of methods. This means we use an organic pesticide when the pest population reaches a threshold that requires action. Horticultural oils such as Neem oil is an organic pesticide that controls tiny, soft bodied insects. Use organic Bordeaux and Liqui-cop to manage fungus causing diseases such as powdery mildew, rust, and leaf-curls.
Keep a clean environment, free of weeds and dropped fruit that host insects or attract animals. Harvest when fruit reaches size and store indoors. Use repellants and bird netting to protect your harvest from other animals.
Sun Exposure: Full Sun
Deciduous trees need about 5 hours of direct sunlight for proper growth and fruit production.
Sunlight Sensitive plants like Cherries, Persimmons, and Plums can burn in hot climates if they lack water. Use afternoon shade to prevent this damage. A lack of light will stunt growth; balance is key.Â
