Plant Profile

MedlarMespilus germanica

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.

Pome fruitTree fruitRose family
Calendar
Medlar (Mespilus germanica): plant portrait - Pome fruit, Rose family, Harvest October - November
Medlar: plant portrait. harvest: October - November.

Quick profile

Key data

Growing calendar
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Direct sowing outdoors
Planting outdoors
Harvest
Pruning
Direct sowing outdoorsPlanting outdoorsHarvestPruning

Suitable growing locations:

Outdoor garden bed

Good neighbors

ComfreyDaffodilsChivesMarigolds

Avoid

No data

Indoor & direct sowing

Medlar: Sowing and germination

Indoor sowing

Medlar is generally not sown indoors. Seeds require cold stratification.

Direct sowing outdoors

Seeds require cold stratification. Direct sowing in autumn allows for natural stratification. Sow in spring after artificial stratification.

Seed depth2 - 3 cm
Germination temp5 - 15 °C
Germination time90 - 365 days
Light germinatorNo
Dark germinatorYes
Cold germinatorYes
Stratification neededYes
Pre-soaking recommendedYes

Planting & site

Medlar: Planting and spacing

Planting outdoors

Young trees (often grafted) are planted in autumn or early spring before bud break.

Plant spacing300 - 600 cm
Row spacing300 - 600 cm

Site & practical notes

The medlar is very undemanding and thrives even on difficult soils.The fruits must be harvested after the first frost and post-ripened (bletted) to be edible.Regular pruning is important to promote fruit production and keep the tree healthy.Well-suited as a solitary tree or in scattered orchards.The seeds are slightly toxic and should not be consumed.

Temperature & frost

Medlar: Temperature and site

Growing temperaturefrom -25 °C
Optimal temperature15 - 25 °C
Max. heatup to 35 °C
Soil temperature5 - 10 °C
Frost sensitiveNo
Late frost sensitiveYes
Heat tolerancehigh
Cold tolerancevery high

Water & nutrients

Medlar: Water, nutrients and care

Watermedium
Critical water phasesfruit set, fruit development
Watering methodDeep watering
Droughtmedium
Waterlogging sensitiveYes
Mulching recommendedYes
Nutrient needmedium feeder
Compost recommendedYes
Fertilizer sensitivitymedium

Container & growth

Medlar: Container, support and growth

Container suitableNo
SupportNo; 150 - 250 cm
Height300 - 600 cm
Width300 - 600 cm
Root depth60 - 150 cm
Root spread150 - 300 cm
Yield5 - 20 kg

Year plan

Medlar Calendar

Plants

Fruits are harvested only after the first frost and require post-ripening (bletting).

Year overview
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Direct sowing outdoors
Planting outdoors
Harvest
Pruning

Recurring tasks

Check for winter damageJanuary - February
Nach starken Frösten: Check young trees for frost damage and loose winter protection.
Main pruning time for training and thinningFebruary - March
Before bud break, when the harshest frosts have passed. Allows for good wound healing and encourages new growth.
FertilizeMarch - April
Vor dem Austrieb: An application of compost or organic complete fertilizer promotes growth.
Plant young treesMarch - April, October - November
Boden frostfrei und nicht zu nass: Plant bare-root or container-grown young trees. Water thoroughly after planting.
Perform formative pruningMarch - April
Vor dem Austrieb: Prune young trees to establish a good crown structure. Remove diseased or crossing branches.
Monitor for pests and diseasesApril - May
Regelmäßig: Look for early signs of aphids or fungal diseases.
Water during dry spellsMay - August
Längere Trockenperioden: Young trees and those during fruit development particularly need sufficient water.
Removal of water sprouts and thinningJune - July
Only if necessary, to keep the crown airy and support fruit development. Prevents excessive shoot growth.
Harvest medlarsOctober - November
Nach dem ersten Frost und wenn die Früchte weich werden (Bletting): Harvest fruits carefully when they are soft and edible. Store them in a cool...
Apply winter protectionNovember - December
Vor dem ersten starken Frost: Protect young trees from severe frost, e.g., with fleece or mulch around the root area.

Relevant now

June

  • Thinning pruning (if necessary)Bei zu dichter Krone: If necessary, remove some branches to thin out the crown and improve air circulation.

Next up

July

  • No additional single task

Monthly tasks

Single tasks from monthly data; repeated seasonal windows are shown in the overview above.

HarvestPruning

January

Quiet month

February

Quiet month

March

No additional single task

April

No additional single task

May

Quiet month

June

Thinning pruning (if necessary)

Pruning

  • Thinning pruning (if necessary)Bei zu dichter Krone: If necessary, remove some branches to thin out the crown and improve air circulation.

July

Quiet month

August

Quiet month

September

Prepare for harvest

Harvest

  • Prepare for harvestFrüchte beginnen sich zu verfärben: Regularly check fruits for ripeness and await the first frost.

October

No additional single task

November

No additional single task

December

Quiet month

Flowering & pollination

Medlar Flowering & pollination

Self-fertility

self-fertile

Pollinator needed

no

Overview

The medlar is predominantly self-fertile but benefits from cross-pollination by insects for better fruit set and larger fruits.

Notes

Bees, bumblebees, and other insects visit the flowers. Good insect pollination can improve yield and quality.

Pruning & care

Medlar Pruning & care

Pruning type

renewal_pruning_and_formative_pruning

Notes

Medlar responds well to pruning. Annual pruning keeps the tree healthy and promotes yield. The best time is late winter or early spring before bud break.

Pruning timing

Late winter to early spring

Main pruning time for training and thinning Before bud break, when the harshest frosts have passed. Allows for good wound healing and encourages new growth.

Summer

Removal of water sprouts and thinning Only if necessary, to keep the crown airy and support fruit development. Prevents excessive shoot growth.

Remove

Dead, diseased, or damaged woodCrossing or rubbing branchesInward-growing shootsWater sprouts (if necessary)Competing shoots on young trees

Preserve

Well-positioned fruiting branchesStrong, healthy leadersSufficient light and air within the crown

Avoid

Over-pruning of fruiting branchesRemoving too much old wood at oncePruning during frostPruning in wet weather (risk of fungal infection)

Tools and hygiene

Use sharp and clean tools. Disinfect tools after each cut or when cutting through diseased wood (e.g., with alcohol).

Companion guide

Medlar Companion guide

Companion guide

Good neighbors

ComfreyDaffodilsChivesMarigoldsClover

Avoid

No data

Use & storage

Medlar Use & storage

Harvest

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

Storage

Cool and dark, after bletting

Storage life

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

Harvest

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

Processing

JamJellyCompoteLiqueurPuréeDried

After harvest

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.

Notes

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

Edibility & safety

Medlar Edibility & safety

For people

In brief: which parts are edible, which parts remain risky, and whether raw consumption makes sense.

Edible parts:Fruit (after bletting)
Caution parts:Seeds (contain small amounts of cyanogenic glycosides, should not be consumed)
Raw consumption:Yes, after bletting.

Safety notes

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

Animal safety

For many animals, this plant is generally low-risk: 14 animal types are rated suitable or mostly suitable. Quantity, plant part, and individual tolerance still matter.

Animal safety by plant part

Each row shows which parts are more suitable and which parts are critical.

Companion animals

Dog icon for animal safety ratingDog

Fruit (after bletting)

Seeds

Risk factors

Consumption of unripe fruit, Consumption of seeds

Symptoms

Vomiting, Diarrhea, Gastrointestinal upset

observe

The fruit of the medlar is suitable for dogs in small amounts as a treat after bletting. The seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides and should be avoided. Consumption of large amounts or seeds may cause gastrointestinal upset.

Open animal page
Cat icon for animal safety ratingCat

Fruit (after bletting)

Seeds

Risk factors

Consumption of unripe or unbletted fruit, Consumption of seeds

Symptoms

Vomiting, Diarrhea, Gastrointestinal upset

observe

The fruit of the medlar is safe for cats in small amounts as a treat after bletting. The seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides and should be avoided. Consumption of seeds or large amounts may cause gastrointestinal upset. Consult a veterinarian if symptoms occur.

Open animal page
Rabbit icon for animal safety ratingRabbit

Fruit (after bletting)

Seeds

Risk factors

Consumption of unripe fruit, Consumption of seeds

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset, Diarrhea

contact a vet if symptoms appear

The fruit of the medlar is suitable for rabbits in small amounts as a treat after bletting. The seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides and should be avoided. Overconsumption may cause gastrointestinal upset.

Open animal page
Guinea pig icon for animal safety ratingGuinea pig

Fruit (after bletting)

Seeds

Risk factors

Consumption of unripe fruit, Consumption of seeds

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset, Diarrhea

contact a vet if symptoms appear

The fruit of the medlar is suitable for guinea pigs in small amounts as a treat after bletting. The seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides and should be avoided. Overconsumption may cause gastrointestinal upset.

Open animal page
Hamster icon for animal safety ratingHamster

Fruit (after bletting)

Seeds

Risk factors

Consumption of seeds, Unripe fruit

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset, Diarrhea

contact a vet if symptoms appear

The fruit of the medlar is suitable for hamsters in small amounts as a treat after bletting. The seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides and should be avoided. Consumption of seeds or unripe fruit may cause gastrointestinal upset.

Open animal page
Budgie icon for animal safety ratingBudgie

Fruit (after bletting)

Seeds

Risk factors

Consumption of seeds, Unripe fruit

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset, Vomiting

observe

The fruit of the medlar is suitable for budgies in small amounts as a treat after bletting. The seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides and should not be fed. Consumption of seeds may cause gastrointestinal upset. Consult a veterinarian if uncertain.

Open animal page

Farm animals

Horse icon for animal safety ratingHorse

Fruit (after bletting)

Seeds

Risk factors

Consumption of unripe fruit, Consumption of seeds

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset, Colic

observe

The fruit of the medlar is suitable for horses in small amounts as a treat after bletting. The seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides and should be avoided. Overconsumption may cause gastrointestinal upset.

Open animal page
Chicken icon for animal safety ratingChicken

Fruit (after bletting)

Seeds

Risk factors

Consumption of unripe or unbletted fruit, Chewing of seeds

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset, Vomiting, Diarrhea

observe

The fruit of the medlar tree is suitable for chickens in small amounts as a treat after bletting. The seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides and should not be fed. Ingestion of seeds may lead to mild poisoning symptoms. Monitoring is recommended. If symptoms persist, a veterinarian should be consulted.

Open animal page
Duck icon for animal safety ratingDuck

Fruit (after bletting)

Seeds

Risk factors

Consumption of unripe fruit, Consumption of seeds

Symptoms

Vomiting, Gastrointestinal upset

observe

The fruit of the medlar is suitable for ducks in small amounts as a treat after bletting. The seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides and should be avoided. Overconsumption may cause gastrointestinal upset.

Open animal page
Goose icon for animal safety ratingGoose

Fruit (after bletting)

Seeds

Risk factors

Consumption of unripe fruit, Consumption of seeds

Symptoms

Vomiting, Diarrhea, Abdominal pain

observe

The fruit of the medlar is suitable for geese in small amounts as a treat after bletting. The seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides and should be avoided. Overconsumption may cause gastrointestinal upset. No evidence of severe poisoning in poultry known.

Open animal page
Sheep icon for animal safety ratingSheep

Fruit (after bletting)

Seeds

Risk factors

Consumption of unripe or unbletted fruit, Consumption of seeds

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset, Diarrhea, Abdominal pain

contact a vet if symptoms appear

The fruit of the medlar tree is suitable for sheep in small amounts as a treat after bletting. The seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides and should not be consumed. Overconsumption may cause gastrointestinal upset.

Open animal page
Goat icon for animal safety ratingGoat

Fruit (after bletting)

Seeds, Leaves, Bark

Risk factors

Consumption of unripe fruit, Consumption of seeds, Consumption of large amounts

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset, Diarrhea, Breathing difficulties

contact a vet if symptoms appear

The fruit of the medlar is edible after bletting and can be fed to goats in small amounts as a treat. Seeds, leaves, and bark contain cyanogenic glycosides and are toxic. Overfeeding may lead to gastrointestinal distress.

Open animal page
Cattle icon for animal safety ratingCattle

Fruit (after bletting)

Seeds

Risk factors

Consumption of seeds

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset

observe

The fruit of the medlar is suitable for cattle in small amounts as a treat after bletting. The seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides and should not be fed. Consumption of seeds may cause gastrointestinal upset. Poisoning is unlikely with normal feeding of the fruit pulp.

Open animal page
Pig icon for animal safety ratingPig

Fruit (after bletting)

Seeds

Risk factors

Consumption of unripe fruit, Consumption of seeds

Symptoms

Vomiting, Diarrhea, Abdominal pain

contact a vet if symptoms appear

The fruit of the medlar is edible after bletting and can be given to pigs as a treat. The seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides and should not be fed. Overconsumption of the fruit may cause gastrointestinal distress. No specific pig studies found, but based on the general toxicity of seeds and the edibility of fruit for humans and similar livestock, a conservative assessment is made.

Open animal page

These guidelines are for general information only and do not replace veterinary diagnosis. If critical plant parts were ingested or the animal shows unusual behaviour or symptoms, seek veterinary advice.

Max risk

unknown

Highest status

moderation only

Urgency

contact a vet if symptoms appear

Saving seed

Medlar Saving seed

Seed saving

yes

Seed viability

2 - 4 years

Practical tips

Medlar Practical tips

Common beginner mistakes

Expecting fruits to be edible immediately after harvest without bletting.Over-pruning, which reduces fruit production.Planting in a too shady or windy location.

Success pattern

Choosing a sunny, sheltered location with well-drained soil.Patience with harvesting and ripening the fruits.Regular but moderate pruning to promote health and yield.

High-impact tips

Mulching the root zone to retain moisture and suppress weeds.An annual application of compost in spring is often sufficient for nutrient supply.Encouraging beneficial insects through diverse planting nearby.

Grower observations

Many gardeners are surprised by how easy the medlar is to care for once established. It requires very little attention.The 'bletting' is a crucial step that is often misunderstood. Without it, the fruits are unpalatably sour.

Plant Profile

Additional plant images

Medlar (Mespilus germanica): plant portrait - Pome fruit, Rose family, Harvest October - November
Medlar (Mespilus germanica): whole plant for plant portrait - Pome fruit, Rose family, Harvest October - November

Health

Pests, Diseases

Plant health

AphidsCodling mothFire blightPowdery mildewIron deficiencyNitrogen deficiencyLate frost damage

Diagnosis help

Medlar Diagnosis help

Pest groups

Insects (aphids, moths)Mites

Disease groups

Fungal diseasesBacterial diseases

Prevention

Site-appropriate plantingBalanced nutrient supplyRegular pruning to promote air circulationRemoval of fallen leaves and mummified fruitsPromotion of beneficial insectsRegular inspection for first signs of problems

Diagnosis

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

Cultural prevention

Site-appropriate planting with sufficient sun and wind protectionGood soil preparation and drainageBalanced fertilization, avoid excessive nitrogenRegular formative and thinning pruning to promote air circulationRemoval of fallen leaves and mummified fruits in autumn/winterChoosing robust and site-adapted varieties

Monitoring

Regular inspection of plants for first signs of pests or diseases, especially during flowering and fruit developmentObservation of beneficial insects in the garden

First response

For pest infestation: Spray with water, use soapy water solution or neem oil, promote natural enemiesFor fungal infection: Remove infected plant parts, use plant strengtheners (e.g., horsetail broth)For deficiency symptoms: Soil analysis, targeted organic fertilization

Diagnostic rules

Wilting, black discolored blossoms and shoots

Possible causes: Fire blight, Monilia, Late frost damage

  • Is there bacterial ooze?
  • Are shoot tips shepherd's crook-shaped?
  • Were there late frosts?

Yellow leaves with green veins

Possible causes: Iron deficiency

  • Check soil pH
  • Check soil for waterlogging

White, powdery coating on leaves

Possible causes: Powdery mildew

  • Check air circulation
  • Check plant density

FAQ

When are medlars harvested?

Medlars are harvested after the first frost, when they become soft and edible. This usually happens in October or November.

How do you eat medlars?

Medlars must ripen after harvest (bletting) until they are soft and mushy. Then they can be eaten raw or processed into jam, jelly, or purée.

Does the medlar need a pollinator?

The medlar is predominantly self-fertile but benefits from insect pollination for better fruit set.

Is the medlar winter hardy?

Yes, the medlar is very winter hardy and tolerates temperatures down to about -25°C. However, young trees should be protected from severe frost in the first few years.

Is Medlar safe for Dog?

Medlar is classified as moderation only for Dog. Risk: unknown. Urgency: observe. The fruit of the medlar is suitable for dogs in small amounts as a treat after bletting. The seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides and should be avoided. Consumption of large amounts or seeds may cause gastrointestinal upset.

Is Medlar safe for Cat?

Medlar is classified as moderation only for Cat. Risk: unknown. Urgency: observe. The fruit of the medlar is safe for cats in small amounts as a treat after bletting. The seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides and should be avoided. Consumption of seeds or large amounts may cause gastrointestinal upset. Consult a veterinarian if symptoms occur.

Is Medlar safe for Rabbit?

Medlar is classified as moderation only for Rabbit. Risk: unknown. Urgency: contact a vet if symptoms appear. The fruit of the medlar is suitable for rabbits in small amounts as a treat after bletting. The seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides and should be avoided. Overconsumption may cause gastrointestinal upset.

Is Medlar safe for Guinea pig?

Medlar is classified as moderation only for Guinea pig. Risk: unknown. Urgency: contact a vet if symptoms appear. The fruit of the medlar is suitable for guinea pigs in small amounts as a treat after bletting. The seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides and should be avoided. Overconsumption may cause gastrointestinal upset.

Guides

Related guides

Garden guides

Sources

Public sources

  1. Wikidata entity

    Wikidata · 2026-05-14

  2. GBIF species match

    GBIF · 2026-05-14

  3. Deutschsprachige Wikipedia: Mispel

    Wikipedia · 2026-05-14

  4. English Wikipedia: Mespilus germanica

    Wikipedia · 2026-05-14

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