Plant from November to March; when planting several, allow 4.5m (15ft) between each tree. Stake trees for the first 3-4 years.
Medlars are best grown as standard or half-standard trees, grafted onto semi-vigorous rootstocks. These reach 4-6m (13–20ft) in height and spread.
Medlars grow best in a deep, fertile, well-drained soil and tolerate most soils, unless they are very chalky or poorly drained.
They prefer a warm, sheltered, sunny site but can be grown in partial shade. Leaves and flowers are easily damaged by strong winds.
In March apply general fertiliser, such as Growmore, at 70g per sq m (2oz per sq yd) over the rooting area, then mulch with well-rotted farmyard manure or compost.
Adequate moisture is essential to obtain strong growth and good cropping. Water young trees during dry spells for the first three or four years.
Read more information on growing medlars
Pruning
Prune annually in winter to maintain a good shape and encourage flowering and fruiting.
When buying a young tree choose a part-trained standard or half-standard tree. Prune young trees as you would apple and pear trees, so read more about formative pruning of apples and pears in our advice profile.
Harvest from late October to early November, when they are not fully ripe or leave them on the tree well into autumn to develop flavour, if there is no danger of frosts.
Harvest in dry conditions when the stalk parts easily from the tree.
Fruit must be ‘bletted’ before eating raw. Briefly dip the stalks in a strong salt solution to prevent rotting. Store in trays, making sure the fruits are not touching, eye downwards, in a cool, dark, frost-free place, for two or three weeks, until the flesh becomes soft and brown but not rotten.
Mespilus germanica ‘Dutch’: Spreading habit and moderately large fruit.
M. germanica ‘Nottingham’: More upright habit and the best flavour, but the fruits are fairly small.
M. germanica ‘Royal’: Fairly upright habit and medium-sized fruit.
Winter moth caterpillars: occasionally attack medlars.
Remedy: picked off or sprayed with containing bifenthrin or pyrethrum.
Read more information on winter moth caterpillars