GERMAN MEDLAR - 9FR75-

Main characteristics

• Botanical name: Mespilus germanica

• Plant type: deciduous fruit tree, of the Rosaceae family

• Height: 3 – 6 meters at maturity, with a rounded and compact crown

• Leaves: large, ovate, dark green in spring and summer, turning yellow and red in autumn → strong ornamental value

• Flowers: white, large (≈ 3-4 cm), bloom between May and June, very decorative

• Fruits: brown, rounded medlars (2-5 cm), harvested in autumn; They are consumed after wilting when the pulp becomes soft and sweet.

• Harvest period: October – November

• Hardy: hardy up to -20 °C, ideal for temperate and cold climates.

• Ideal soil: fertile, well-drained, tolerates even calcareous soils.

• Exposure: full sun or partial shade.

• Pollination: self-fertile, does not require other plants to bear fruit.

Planting Potted Plants

Potted fruit plants should be planted at the right depth, so that the grafting point is not buried and the upper part of the root system is at ground level. Once the plants have been planted, it is a good idea to compact the soil around them by mixing it with an organic fertilizer, creating a sort of basin. Wet the basin with about 20 liters of water so that the soil adheres to the root ball without leaving air bubbles. For tree-like fruit trees, such as apricots, cherries, chestnuts, quinces, figs, apples, walnuts, pears, peaches, and plums, the following recommended planting distances are recommended: 4.50/5.00 m between plants along the rows, and 5.50/6.00 m between rows. These distances can be significantly reduced for dwarf apple and pear trees and other fruit trees grafted onto less vigorous rootstocks.
Planting Periods
Planting fruit trees is best done in late autumn, i.e., in the months of November and December (before the first frost), although later planting is also possible in midwinter if the ground is not frozen. Another ideal planting period is February–March, or at the latest until mid-April. Only if the plants were previously grown in pots can they be planted in subsequent months, taking due care and keeping the root ball intact. Fruit trees grow well in fertile, deep, and permeable soil. If the soil is very clayey and rather compact, it is advisable to provide deep drainage.
NB : The ripening times of all fruit trees can be early or late by a week or more, depending on exposure and climate.

Image source: Guía de los árboles d’Asturies

License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International