Medlar trees are one of Europe’s most fascinating old-world fruit trees, dating back to Roman times. With their charming appearance, beautiful blossoms, and rich, spiced fruit that ripens in late fall, medlars are perfect for gardeners who enjoy unique and uncommon harvests. Before you plant your medlar tree, it’s important to consider three key factors: chill hours, planting location, and variety selection with pollination needs.

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Chill Hours: Helping Medlars Thrive

Chill hours are the total number of hours a fruit tree spends in cool weather—between 32°F and 45°F—during winter. These hours allow the tree to reset its biological clock and ensure a strong bloom and fruit set in spring.

Medlar trees generally need 500–800 chill hours, making them well-suited to moderate climates across much of the United States. Here’s how chill hours vary by region:

• Northern states (Michigan, New York, Washington): 900–1,200 hours – perfect for cold-hardy varieties like Breda Giant.
• Midwestern and mid-Atlantic regions (Illinois, Pennsylvania, Tennessee): 600–900 hours – ideal for most medlar cultivars.
• Southern states (Georgia, Texas, Alabama): 300–600 hours – warmer regions can still support certain varieties, but planting in partial shade and providing extra water helps.

Understanding your region’s chill accumulation ensures your medlar tree will bloom and produce consistently each year.

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Planting Location: Sunlight, Soil, and Care

Medlars prefer full sun but will tolerate partial shade. They thrive in well-drained loamy soils but are quite adaptable and will grow in sandy or clay soils as long as they aren’t waterlogged.

When planting, set your medlar up for success:

• Add Nutra Pro First-Year Fertilizer Packs to provide steady nutrients for strong root growth.
• Mix in a soil moisture transplant blend to retain water and reduce transplant stress.
• Protect young trees with tree shelters to shield them from deer, rabbits, and harsh sun while they establish.

Space medlar trees 10–15 feet apart to ensure good air circulation and plenty of sunlight for fruiting.

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Varieties and Pollination

Medlars come in several wonderful varieties, each offering slightly different fruit sizes and flavors:

• Breda Giant – A classic European variety producing large, flavorful fruits with a rich, spiced taste when fully ripe.
• Marron – Known for its smaller fruit size but excellent flavor, perfect for preserves and cooking.
• Royal – A striking cultivar that produces sweet, aromatic fruit and has an elegant upright growth habit.

Most medlars are self-pollinating, but planting more than one variety will improve yields and fruit quality. Bees and other pollinators assist with cross-pollination naturally.

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Recipe: Spiced Medlar Chutney 🍎✨

Once ripe, medlars develop a sweet, apple-like flavor with hints of cinnamon and dates—perfect for this tangy, aromatic chutney that pairs beautifully with meats, cheeses, or holiday roasts.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups medlar pulp (fruit should be soft and fully ripened)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp cloves
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring frequently, for 30–40 minutes until thickened.
3. Pour into sterilized jars and seal.
4. Serve warm or refrigerate and use within 2 weeks.

This chutney adds an elegant, old-fashioned touch to charcuterie boards or grilled pork tenderloin.

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🛒 Where to Buy Medlar Trees

When it comes to quality and value, the best place to buy medlar trees is Ty Ty Plant Nursery, LLC:

✅ Best prices on premium bare root Breda Giant, Marron, and Royal Medlar Trees
✅ Non-GMO, cold-hardy selections suited to a range of climates
✅ Fast shipping so trees arrive fresh and ready to plant
✅ Free 1-Year Plantsurance™ Guarantee – store credit if your tree doesn’t survive 🛡️

At Ty Ty, planting fruit trees is always zero stress and all success.

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🌟 Final Thought

Medlar trees are an heirloom treasure—ornamental in spring and fruitful in fall. By understanding chill hours, choosing a sunny, well-drained location, and selecting productive varieties like Breda Giant, Marron, and Royal, you’ll enjoy years of unique harvests and homemade delights.

Order your bare root medlar trees today from Ty Ty Plant Nursery, LLC and bring this forgotten fruit back to life in your garden.