MedlarMespilus germanica

Medlar

Medlars

1. Crataegus germanica (L.) Kuntze

1. medlar
2. common medlar

1. medlar
2. common medlar

1. Asperl
2. Aschperln
3. Hespelein
4. Dürgen
5. Dörrlitzen
6. Dürrlitzen
7. Hundsärsch
8. nespelbaum
9. Näschpli

1. NameMispel

   Languagede

   Shared with

   1. Q3092517
   2. Q30055313

   Clarification

   fruit of the medlar (Q146186) or heraldic charge

2. Namemedlar

   Languageen

   Shared with

   1. Q3092517

   Clarification

   fruit of the medlar (Q146186)

1. Mespilus germanica
2. medlar
3. common medlar

Rose family

1. apple
2. pear
3. quince
4. hawthorn

1. fruit

The medlar (Mespilus germanica) is a fascinating fruit tree known for its unique fruits, which only become edible after the first frost. It is robust, undemanding, and an asset to any nature-oriented garden.

1. Taskwinter_check

   Label

   Check for winter damage

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 1
   2. 2

   ConditionNach starken Frösten

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Check young trees for frost damage and loose winter protection.

1. Taskwinter_check

   Label

   Check for winter damage

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 1
   2. 2

   ConditionNach starken Frösten

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Check young trees for frost damage and loose winter protection.

1. Taskplanting

   Label

   Plant young trees

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 3
   2. 4
   3. 10
   4. 11

   ConditionBoden frostfrei und nicht zu nass

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Plant bare-root or container-grown young trees. Water thoroughly after planting.

2. Taskpruning_formative

   Label

   Perform formative pruning

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 3
   2. 4

   ConditionVor dem Austrieb

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Prune young trees to establish a good crown structure. Remove diseased or crossing branches.

3. Taskfertilizing

   Label

   Fertilize

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 3
   2. 4

   ConditionVor dem Austrieb

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   An application of compost or organic complete fertilizer promotes growth.

1. Taskplanting

   Label

   Plant young trees

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 3
   2. 4
   3. 10
   4. 11

   ConditionBoden frostfrei und nicht zu nass

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Plant bare-root or container-grown young trees. Water thoroughly after planting.

2. Taskpruning_formative

   Label

   Perform formative pruning

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 3
   2. 4

   ConditionVor dem Austrieb

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Prune young trees to establish a good crown structure. Remove diseased or crossing branches.

3. Taskpest_disease_monitoring

   Label

   Monitor for pests and diseases

   Prioritylow

   Months

   1. 4
   2. 5

   ConditionRegelmäßig

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Look for early signs of aphids or fungal diseases.

1. Taskpest_disease_monitoring

   Label

   Monitor for pests and diseases

   Prioritylow

   Months

   1. 4
   2. 5

   ConditionRegelmäßig

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Look for early signs of aphids or fungal diseases.

2. Taskwatering

   Label

   Water during dry spells

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 5
   2. 6
   3. 7
   4. 8

   ConditionLängere Trockenperioden

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Young trees and those during fruit development particularly need sufficient water.

1. Taskwatering

   Label

   Water during dry spells

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 5
   2. 6
   3. 7
   4. 8

   ConditionLängere Trockenperioden

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Young trees and those during fruit development particularly need sufficient water.

2. Taskpruning_thinning

   Label

   Thinning pruning (if necessary)

   Prioritylow

   Months

   1. 6

   ConditionBei zu dichter Krone

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   If necessary, remove some branches to thin out the crown and improve air circulation.

1. Taskwatering

   Label

   Water during dry spells

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 5
   2. 6
   3. 7
   4. 8

   ConditionLängere Trockenperioden

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Young trees and those during fruit development particularly need sufficient water.

1. Taskwatering

   Label

   Water during dry spells

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 5
   2. 6
   3. 7
   4. 8

   ConditionLängere Trockenperioden

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Young trees and those during fruit development particularly need sufficient water.

1. Taskharvest_preparation

   Label

   Prepare for harvest

   Prioritylow

   Months

   1. 9

   ConditionFrüchte beginnen sich zu verfärben

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Regularly check fruits for ripeness and await the first frost.

1. Taskharvest

   Label

   Harvest medlars

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 10
   2. 11

   ConditionNach dem ersten Frost und wenn die Früchte weich werden (Bletting)

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Harvest fruits carefully when they are soft and edible. Store them in a cool place.

2. Taskplanting

   Label

   Plant young trees

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 3
   2. 4
   3. 10
   4. 11

   ConditionBoden frostfrei und nicht zu nass

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Plant bare-root or container-grown young trees. Water thoroughly after planting.

1. Taskharvest

   Label

   Harvest medlars

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 10
   2. 11

   ConditionNach dem ersten Frost und wenn die Früchte weich werden (Bletting)

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Harvest fruits carefully when they are soft and edible. Store them in a cool place.

2. Taskwinter_protection

   Label

   Apply winter protection

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 11
   2. 12

   ConditionVor dem ersten starken Frost

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Protect young trees from severe frost, e.g., with fleece or mulch around the root area.

3. Taskplanting

   Label

   Plant young trees

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 3
   2. 4
   3. 10
   4. 11

   ConditionBoden frostfrei und nicht zu nass

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Plant bare-root or container-grown young trees. Water thoroughly after planting.

1. Taskwinter_protection

   Label

   Apply winter protection

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 11
   2. 12

   ConditionVor dem ersten starken Frost

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Protect young trees from severe frost, e.g., with fleece or mulch around the root area.

1. full sun
2. partial shade

Sheltered

A sunny to partially shaded, sheltered location is ideal. Full sun promotes fruit development.

1. Loamy
2. humus_rich

Prefers deep, nutrient-rich, and well-drained soils. Absolutely avoid waterlogging.

regularly, especially during dry periods

Young trees require regular watering in the first few years. Established trees are more drought-tolerant but benefit from additional watering during long dry spells.

1. compost
2. organic_complete_fertilizer

annually in spring

Balanced nutrient supply is important. Excessive nitrogen can promote vegetative growth at the expense of fruit production.

As a fruit tree or large shrub, the medlar is not part of classic bed planning or crop rotation.

1. Slugiron_chlorosis

   Name

   Iron Chlorosis

   Description

   Yellowing of leaves between veins, while veins remain green. Often occurs in alkaline soils.

   Symptoms

   1. Interveinal chlorosis (yellow leaves, green veins)
   2. Stunted growth
   3. Leaf drop

   Control

   1. Adjust soil pH (acidify)
   2. Apply iron chelates

   Prevention

   1. Planting in suitable soils
   2. Regular compost applications

   Severitymedium
2. Slugnitrogen_deficiency

   Name

   Nitrogen Deficiency

   Description

   General lightening and yellowing of older leaves, as nitrogen is translocated to younger plant parts.

   Symptoms

   1. Pale, yellowish leaves (especially older ones)
   2. Stunted growth
   3. Poor fruit set

   Control

   1. Apply organic nitrogen fertilizer (e.g., horn meal, compost)

   Prevention

   1. Regular compost applications
   2. Mulching with nitrogen-rich materials

   Severitylow

1. Sluglate_frost_damage

   Name

   Late Frost Damage

   Description

   Blossoms and young shoots are damaged by late frosts, which can lead to crop failure.

   Symptoms

   1. Blackened, wilting blossoms
   2. Dead young shoots
   3. Poor fruit set

   Control

   1. Take protective measures (fleece, overhead irrigation) if late frost is forecast

   Prevention

   1. Site selection (sheltered)
   2. Choosing late-flowering varieties

   Severitymedium
2. Slugwater_stress

   Name

   Water Stress (Drought/Waterlogging)

   Description

   Both prolonged drought and waterlogging can impair the health and yield of the medlar.

   Symptoms

   1. For drought: Wilting leaves, premature leaf drop, small fruits
   2. For waterlogging: Yellow leaves, root rot, dieback of shoots

   Control

   1. For drought: Water deeply
   2. For waterlogging: Improve drainage, loosen soil

   Prevention

   1. Mulching for moisture retention
   2. Choose a site with well-drained soil
   3. Regular but not excessive watering

   Severitymedium

1. Insects (aphids, moths)
2. Mites

1. Fungal diseases
2. Bacterial diseases

1. Site-appropriate planting
2. Balanced nutrient supply
3. Regular pruning to promote air circulation
4. Removal of fallen leaves and mummified fruits
5. Promotion of beneficial insects
6. Regular inspection for first signs of problems

Observe changes in leaves, shoots, and fruits. Compare symptoms with known disease patterns and consider weather conditions.

1. Slugfire_blight

   Severityhigh

   Conditions

   1. Warm, humid weather
   2. Flowering period
   3. Plant injuries

   Affected parts

   1. Blossoms
   2. Shoots
   3. Leaves
   4. Branches

   Prevention

   1. Resistant varieties
   2. Disinfect pruning tools
   3. Immediately remove infected plants

   Organic control

   1. Generously remove and burn infected parts
   2. No chemical agents in organic farming
2. Slugmonilia

   Severitymedium

   Conditions

   1. Humid weather during flowering and fruit development
   2. Fruit injuries

   Affected parts

   1. Blossoms
   2. Shoots
   3. Fruits

   Prevention

   1. Thinning pruning
   2. Removal of mummified fruits
   3. Choosing less susceptible varieties

   Organic control

   1. Remove infected shoots and fruits
   2. Spraying with plant strengtheners (e.g., horsetail)
3. Slugaphids

   Severitymedium

   Conditions

   1. Dry, warm weather
   2. Young, succulent shoots

   Affected parts

   1. Young shoots
   2. Leaves
   3. Flower buds

   Prevention

   1. Promote beneficial insects
   2. Balanced fertilization
   3. Regular inspection

   Organic control

   1. Spray with water
   2. Soapy water solution
   3. Neem oil
   4. Introduce beneficial insects

1. Symptom

   Wilting, black discolored blossoms and shoots

   Possible causes

   1. fire_blight
   2. monilia
   3. late_frost_damage

   First checks

   1. Is there bacterial ooze?
   2. Are shoot tips shepherd's crook-shaped?
   3. Were there late frosts?
2. Symptom

   Yellow leaves with green veins

   Possible causes

   1. iron_chlorosis

   First checks

   1. Check soil pH
   2. Check soil for waterlogging
3. Symptom

   White, powdery coating on leaves

   Possible causes

   1. powdery_mildew

   First checks

   1. Check air circulation
   2. Check plant density

1. Bud break: March-April
2. Flowering: May-June
3. Fruit development: July-October
4. Bletting (ripening): October-November (after frost)
5. Leaf fall: November

The medlar is a late bloomer, which protects its flowers from light frosts. The fruits require post-ripening (bletting) after the first frost to become edible.

1. 10
2. 11

Fruits are harvested after the first frost, when they soften (bletting).

Annually, with yield increasing as the tree ages.

1. Fruit softens and turns brown (bletting)
2. Pulp becomes mushy
3. Harvest after the first frost

Fruits require post-ripening (bletting). They can continue to ripen at room temperature after harvest or be stored in the refrigerator until soft. Handle gently as they are delicate.

1. 10
2. 11
3. 12

Fruits are only storable after bletting and should then be stored cool and dark.

Cool and dark, after bletting

A few weeks after bletting at cool temperatures (approx. 0-4°C).

1. Jam
2. Jelly
3. Compote
4. Liqueur
5. Purée
6. Dried

1. Fruit (after bletting)

1. Seeds (contain small amounts of cyanogenic glycosides, should not be consumed)

The seeds are slightly toxic and should not be eaten. The fruit is safe after bletting.

Yes, after bletting.

Seeds can be obtained from ripe fruits. They require cold stratification for germination.

Remove seeds from the pulp, wash thoroughly to remove any remaining pulp, and allow to dry.

Cold stratification for 8-12 weeks at 1-5°C in moist sand or peat.

Sow in spring after stratification into well-draining soil.

Germination can be irregular. Offspring may differ from the parent plant (varietal purity not guaranteed).

1. standard tree
2. bush tree
3. espalier
4. cordon

Medlar is often trained as a bush tree or small tree. Grafting is common to influence growth and fruit production. Regular pruning is important for yield and health.

The medlar provides food and habitat for insects. Its fruits are appreciated by birds and small mammals. As an old fruit variety, it contributes to the preservation of genetic diversity.