Medlar (Crataegus germanica)

Medlar (Crataegus germanica) is a small deciduous tree or large shrub, known for its unique edible fruit that requires bletting before consumption.

Above information is sourced from Wikipedia

Sunlight

Prefers full sun but tolerates partial shade.

Watering

Water regularly, especially during dry periods. Ensure good drainage.

Soil

Prefers well-drained, fertile loam, but tolerates a range of soil types.

Temperature

Thrives in temperate climates; tolerates moderate frost.

Habitat

Outdoor

Fertilizer

Fertilize in spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer.

Care Requirements

Light

Prefers full sun but tolerates partial shade.

Water

Water regularly, especially during dry periods. Ensure good drainage.

Soil

Prefers well-drained, fertile loam, but tolerates a range of soil types.

Temperature

Thrives in temperate climates; tolerates moderate frost.

Ideal growing range: 15-25 °C

Habitat

Outdoor

Fertilizer

Fertilize in spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer.

Plant Overview

Plant Type

Tree, Shrub

Plant Category

Fruit, Ornamental

Plant Place Type

Ground, Garden

Plant Environment

Outdoor

Lifespan

Perennials

Plant Height

4-8 m

Spread

3-5 m

Growth Rate

Slow

Dormancy

Yes

Leaf Color

Green

Leaf Type

Simple

Flower Size

2-3 cm

Image Gallery

Flowering & Fruiting Cycles

Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.

Northern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · MayPeak fruit · Oct

FloweringFruiting

Southern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · OctPeak fruit · Dec

FloweringFruiting

Synonyms

Crataegus mespilus Jess.

Mespilus abortiva Mord.Laun.

Mespilus apyrena Poit. & Turpin

Mespilus calicina Stokes

Mespilus germanica L.

Mespilus macrocarpa (DC.) Poit. & Turpin

Mespilus portentosa Poit. & Turpin

Mespilus pubescens Pohl

Mespilus sylvestris Mill.

Mespilus vulgaris Gueldenst.

Mespilus vulgaris Rchb.

Ostinia mespylus Clairv.

Pyrus germanica Hook.f.

Taxonomy

kingdomPlantae
divisionTracheophyta
classMagnoliopsida
orderRosales
familyRosaceae
genusCrataegus
speciesCrataegus germanica

Toxicity

Toxic for humans

Rating: 0/5

Toxic for pets

Rating: 0/5

Edible

Yes

The fruit is edible after bletting; unripe parts may cause mild stomach upset.

Additional Care Tips

Water consistently, particularly when young and during dry spells. Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce watering in winter.

Prune in late winter or early spring to shape the tree, remove dead or crossing branches, and encourage fruit production. Thin out dense growth to improve air circulation.

Propagate by grafting onto rootstock, or by sowing stratified seeds in autumn. Softwood cuttings can also be taken in early summer.

Repot young trees every 2-3 years in early spring before new growth begins. Mature trees generally do not require repotting if planted in the ground.

FAQs

What is bletting and why is it necessary for medlars?

Bletting is a process where the fruit softens and becomes edible after being picked. It involves enzymatic breakdown of starches and acids, transforming the texture and flavor from hard and astringent to soft and sweet.

When is the best time to prune a medlar tree?

The ideal time to prune a medlar tree is in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. This allows for shaping, removal of dead or diseased wood, and encourages better fruit production.

Can medlars be grown in pots?

Yes, medlars can be grown in pots, especially dwarf varieties or when kept pruned. Ensure the pot is large enough and has good drainage, and provide consistent watering and feeding.

What kind of soil does a medlar tree prefer?

Medlar trees prefer fertile, well-drained loam soil. They are adaptable and can tolerate a range of soil types, but avoid waterlogged conditions which can harm the roots.

How long does it take for a medlar tree to produce fruit?

A medlar tree typically begins to produce fruit within 3 to 5 years after planting, depending on the variety and growing conditions. Full fruit production is usually achieved by year 5 onwards.

Care Requirements

Light

Prefers full sun but tolerates partial shade.

Water

Water regularly, especially during dry periods. Ensure good drainage.

Soil

Prefers well-drained, fertile loam, but tolerates a range of soil types.

Temperature

Thrives in temperate climates; tolerates moderate frost.

Ideal growing range: 15-25 °C

Habitat

Outdoor

Fertilizer

Fertilize in spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer.

Additional Care Tips

Water consistently, particularly when young and during dry spells. Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce watering in winter.

Prune in late winter or early spring to shape the tree, remove dead or crossing branches, and encourage fruit production. Thin out dense growth to improve air circulation.

Propagate by grafting onto rootstock, or by sowing stratified seeds in autumn. Softwood cuttings can also be taken in early summer.

Repot young trees every 2-3 years in early spring before new growth begins. Mature trees generally do not require repotting if planted in the ground.

FAQs

What is bletting and why is it necessary for medlars?

When is the best time to prune a medlar tree?

The ideal time to prune a medlar tree is in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. This allows for shaping, removal of dead or diseased wood, and encourages better fruit production.

Can medlars be grown in pots?

Yes, medlars can be grown in pots, especially dwarf varieties or when kept pruned. Ensure the pot is large enough and has good drainage, and provide consistent watering and feeding.

What kind of soil does a medlar tree prefer?

Medlar trees prefer fertile, well-drained loam soil. They are adaptable and can tolerate a range of soil types, but avoid waterlogged conditions which can harm the roots.

How long does it take for a medlar tree to produce fruit?

A medlar tree typically begins to produce fruit within 3 to 5 years after planting, depending on the variety and growing conditions. Full fruit production is usually achieved by year 5 onwards.

Medlar (Crataegus germanica)

Care Requirements

Plant Overview

Image Gallery

Flowering & Fruiting Cycles

Additional Care Tips

Water

Pruning

Propagation

Repotting

FAQs

What is bletting and why is it necessary for medlars?

When is the best time to prune a medlar tree?

Can medlars be grown in pots?

What kind of soil does a medlar tree prefer?

How long does it take for a medlar tree to produce fruit?

Loading plant details

Medlar (Crataegus germanica)

Care Requirements

Plant Overview

Image Gallery

Flowering & Fruiting Cycles

Additional Care Tips

Water

Pruning

Propagation

Repotting

FAQs

What is bletting and why is it necessary for medlars?

When is the best time to prune a medlar tree?

Can medlars be grown in pots?

What kind of soil does a medlar tree prefer?

How long does it take for a medlar tree to produce fruit?