Cultivation Guide – Medlars

Planting

The planting site should be sunny and sheltered to avoid damage by wind. Planting and staking as for apples and pears.

Pruning

For the first 3 or 4 years the leaders of the main framework should be cut back a third of latest year’s growth, pruning to an outward facing bud. Badly placed shoots should be cut back to two buds. Little pruning is necessary. in later years simply prune to remove badly placed branches and dead wood, maintaining a good shaped head of the tree

Harvesting

The fruits are normally ready for picking in late October or early November and are ready when they part from the shoot easily. Pick when dry and dip in a strong salt solution to avoid rotting. Store in a cool, dry area with the eye downwards and not touching for 3 weeks until they turn brown and the flesh softens.