Top 20 Medlar Varieties to Grow: Tips and Advice for a Successful Harvest

Medlars (Mespilus germanica) are an ancient fruit, highly prized for their unique flavor, which becomes sweeter after bletting (a ripening process where the fruit becomes soft and brown). These small trees are easy to grow and produce fruit that can be eaten fresh, used in jams, or baked into desserts. Selecting the right medlar variety will ensure a fruitful harvest and a healthy tree. This guide explores the top 20 medlar varieties to grow and provides essential tips for cultivating a successful crop.

1. Nottingham

Nottingham is one of the most popular medlar varieties, known for its small to medium-sized fruit with excellent flavor after bletting.

Tip: Nottingham medlars prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Prune annually to maintain a compact shape and encourage better fruiting.

2. Dutch

Dutch medlars produce larger fruit compared to other varieties, with a rich flavor and smooth texture. They are ideal for making jams and preserves.

Tip: Dutch medlar trees thrive in sunny locations with regular watering, especially during dry periods.

3. Royal

Royal medlars are known for their large, round fruit with a slightly tangy flavor. They’re perfect for both fresh eating and baking.

Tip: Plant Royal medlars in well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight. Regular feeding in spring will improve fruit size and yield.

4. Iranian

Iranian medlars produce medium-sized fruit with a mild, sweet flavor. The trees are hardy and can tolerate a range of climates.

Tip: Iranian medlar trees prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.

5. Breda Giant

Breda Giant produces large, soft fruit with a rich, sweet flavor. It’s perfect for fresh eating once bletted or for making desserts.

Tip: Breda Giant medlars need regular pruning to control their size and shape. Water deeply once a week during dry periods to keep the tree healthy.

6. Westerveld

Westerveld is a Dutch variety that produces small to medium-sized fruit with a sweet, tangy flavor. It’s great for fresh eating and cooking.

Tip: Ensure Westerveld medlars are planted in full sun with well-drained soil. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

7. Monstrous d’Evreinoff

This French variety produces very large fruit with a slightly tart, yet sweet flavor after bletting. It’s ideal for making preserves and sauces.

Tip: Monstrous d’Evreinoff trees thrive in full sun and benefit from a balanced fertilizer in early spring to boost growth and fruiting.

8. Giant Russian

Giant Russian medlars are known for their large, sweet-tart fruit. They are hardy and can tolerate colder climates.

Tip: Protect Giant Russian medlars from strong winds and ensure regular watering during the growing season for the best results.

9. Westerveld’s Supreme

Westerveld’s Supreme is a high-yielding variety that produces medium-sized, sweet fruit with a soft texture. It’s great for fresh eating or making jellies.

Tip: Plant in well-drained soil and ensure regular pruning after harvest to encourage new growth and better fruiting the following year.

10. Russian Quince-Leaf

This rare variety has unique, quince-shaped leaves and produces medium-sized fruit with a slightly tart flavor. It’s great for preserves and fresh eating.

Tip: Russian Quince-Leaf medlars prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Regular feeding with organic compost will enhance fruit size and flavor.

11. Iran Giant

Iran Giant medlars produce large, sweet fruit that is excellent for making preserves and desserts. The tree is hardy and drought-tolerant once established.

Tip: Water deeply once a week, especially during the fruiting season, and mulch around the base to conserve moisture.

12. Moroccan

Moroccan medlars produce small, sweet fruit with a rich, honey-like flavor. They are ideal for making jams and eating fresh after bletting.

Tip: Moroccan medlars thrive in sunny locations with well-drained soil. Regular pruning helps maintain size and improve air circulation.

13. German Large

German Large medlars are known for their large, sweet fruit that is perfect for cooking and making jellies.

Tip: Plant German Large in full sun and ensure regular watering during the growing season to keep the fruit plump and juicy.

14. Serbian

Serbian medlars produce small to medium-sized fruit with a strong, sweet flavor. They are perfect for fresh eating and making preserves.

Tip: Serbian medlars prefer full sun and benefit from regular mulching to retain soil moisture and protect the roots from extreme temperatures.

15. Royal Dutch

Royal Dutch medlars are prized for their large, soft fruit and sweet flavor after bletting. They are ideal for fresh eating or making preserves.

Tip: Plant in a sunny spot and provide well-drained soil. Fertilize with a balanced organic fertilizer in early spring to encourage fruit production.

16. Large Belgian

Large Belgian medlars produce large, smooth-skinned fruit with a mild, sweet flavor. They are great for eating fresh or baking into desserts.

Tip: Water deeply during dry spells and prune annually to keep the tree compact and productive.

17. Monstrous Dutch

Monstrous Dutch medlars produce large, round fruit with a sweet, tangy flavor. They’re excellent for making jams and sauces.

Tip: Ensure regular pruning after harvest to encourage new growth and better fruiting the next season.

18. Dutch Sweet

Dutch Sweet is known for its small, soft fruit with a sweet, mild flavor. It’s perfect for making jelly or eating fresh after bletting.

Tip: Plant in full sun and water regularly during the fruiting season to ensure juicy, flavorful fruit.

19. White Dutch

White Dutch medlars produce medium-sized fruit with a slightly tangy flavor and pale flesh. They are great for fresh eating and cooking.

Tip: Mulch around the base of White Dutch trees to conserve moisture and suppress weeds, helping to improve overall tree health.

20. French Royale

French Royale is a high-yielding variety that produces small to medium-sized fruit with a sweet, delicate flavor. It’s perfect for making jellies and sauces.

Tip: Regular feeding with compost or organic fertilizer in spring helps encourage healthy growth and fruiting.

Tips for Growing Medlars Successfully

1. Choose the right location: Medlars thrive in full sun, so plant them in a sunny spot where they can get at least 6 hours of sunlight a day. They also prefer well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH.
2. Water consistently: Medlars need regular watering, especially during dry periods and when the fruit is developing. Keep the soil evenly moist but avoid waterlogging.
3. Mulch to retain moisture: Apply a thick layer of mulch around the base of the tree to retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
4. Prune annually: Prune medlar trees in late winter or early spring to remove dead or diseased wood and improve air circulation. This encourages new growth and helps the tree produce more fruit.
5. Fertilize in spring: Use a balanced fertilizer or organic compost in early spring to encourage strong growth and higher fruit yields. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of fruit.
6. Bletting for best flavor: Medlars need to be bletted (over-ripened) before eating. Allow the fruit to soften and turn brown for the best flavor.
7. Pest control: Medlars are relatively pest-resistant but watch out for aphids or scale insects. Use organic or chemical treatments as necessary.

Common Questions and Answers

Q1: How long does it take for a medlar tree to produce fruit?
Medlar trees typically begin producing fruit 3 to 5 years after planting, with full yields by the 6th or 7th year.

Q2: When is the best time to plant medlar trees?
The best time to plant medlar trees is in early spring or late fall, while the tree is dormant. This allows the roots to establish before the growing season.

Q3: How often should I water medlar trees?
Water medlar trees deeply once a week, more frequently during dry periods. Keep the soil consistently moist but avoid waterlogging.

Q4: Can medlar trees be grown in containers?
Yes, dwarf or compact medlar varieties can be grown in large containers with good drainage. Regular pruning and watering are essential for container-grown medlars.

Q5: How do I know when medlars are ready to eat?
Medlars are ready to eat when they have bletted, meaning they’ve softened and turned brown. This process typically occurs after the first frost or when the fruit has been stored for several weeks.