Growing medlars in Britain can be a rewarding endeavor for gardeners and fruit enthusiasts alike. Medlars, with their unique flavor and rich history, are a fascinating addition to any garden. This article has been written with the assistance of a nursery professional to provide you with comprehensive, expert-backed guidance on cultivating medlars successfully.
Introduction to Medlars
Medlars (Mespilus germanica) are a fruit tree native to southwest Asia and southeastern Europe. They have been cultivated for over 3,000 years and were highly valued in ancient Greek and Roman cultures. Despite their long history, medlars are relatively unknown in modern British gardens. However, they are gaining popularity due to their unique taste and the fact that they ripen in late autumn when most other fruits are long gone.
Medlars are small trees, typically growing to a height of 3-4 meters, making them suitable for even modest-sized gardens. They have attractive, dark green leaves that turn a stunning shade of red in autumn. The tree produces large, white blossoms in late spring, which are followed by the distinctive brown, apple-like fruits.
Choosing the Right Medlar Variety
Choosing the right variety is crucial for successful medlar cultivation. Chris Bowers & Sons say that the most popular varieties of medlars include ‘Nottingham,’ known for its excellent flavor and compact size, making it ideal for small gardens, and ‘Dutch,’ which is valued for its larger fruit size. It’s important to select a variety that is well-suited to your local climate and soil conditions. Consult with a local nursery expert to identify the best variety for your region.
Planting Medlars
Though they need well-drained, loamy soil with a neutral to somewhat acidic pH, medlars are resilient trees that may flourish in a variety of soil types. Though they can withstand little shade, grown in full sun they provide the greatest fruit. To lower the danger of disease, pick a planting site where the air circulation is good and strong winds are sheltered from.
Dig a double the width and depth of the root ball hole to plant a medlar tree. Before putting the tree in the hole, gently loosen the roots such that the point of contact between the tree and the rootstock—the graft union—is above ground level. Water completely, then gently firm the dirt backfill around the roots. Mulching organic materials like compost or bark chips around the tree’s base will help control weeds and hold moisture.
Caring for Medlars
Once planted, medlars require minimal care, making them an excellent choice for low-maintenance gardening. Regular watering is essential, especially during dry spells, to ensure the tree establishes well. However, be careful not to overwater, as medlars do not like waterlogged soil.
Feeding your medlar tree with a balanced fertilizer in early spring will promote healthy growth and fruit production. It’s also beneficial to apply a layer of well-rotted manure or compost around the base of the tree each spring to improve soil fertility.
Pruning is an important part of medlar care. Young trees should be pruned to establish a strong framework, while mature trees benefit from annual pruning to remove any dead, diseased, or crossing branches. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring before the new growth starts.
Pests and Diseases
Medlars are relatively resistant to pests and diseases compared to other fruit trees. However, they can occasionally be affected by issues such as fire blight, a bacterial disease that causes branches to wither and die. To prevent fire blight, prune out any affected branches and avoid overhead watering, which can spread the bacteria.
Another potential problem is apple scab, a fungal disease that causes dark, scabby lesions on the fruit and leaves. To manage apple scab, ensure good air circulation around the tree and remove any fallen leaves and fruit from the ground to reduce the spread of the fungus.
Harvesting Medlars
One of the most intriguing aspects of growing medlars is the harvesting process. Medlars are typically harvested in late autumn, around October or November, when they are still hard and greenish-brown. Unlike most fruits, medlars need to undergo a process called bletting to become edible. Bletting is a form of controlled decay that converts the hard, astringent fruit into a soft, sweet delicacy.
To blet medlars, place the harvested fruit in a single layer on a bed of straw or sawdust in a cool, dark place. Alternatively, you can place them in a paper bag with a few ripe apples, which will speed up the process due to the ethylene gas released by the apples. The fruit is ready to eat when it becomes soft and slightly wrinkled, with a rich, toffee-like flavor.
Culinary Uses of Medlars
Medlars have a unique taste that has been described as a combination of apple, date, and cinnamon. They can be eaten fresh once bletted or used in a variety of culinary applications. Medlar jelly is a traditional favorite, often served with cheese or cold meats. The fruit can also be used to make medlar cheese, a thick, sweet paste similar to quince cheese.
Medlar chutney is another delicious way to enjoy this fruit, combining the medlar’s sweetness with spices to create a condiment that pairs well with curries and roasted meats. For those with a sweet tooth, medlar tarts and cakes offer a delightful way to showcase the fruit’s unique flavor.
Medlars in the Garden
In addition to their fruit, medlars offer several benefits to the garden. Their spring blossoms provide an early source of nectar for pollinators, while their autumn foliage adds a splash of color to the landscape. Medlars can also be grown as part of a mixed fruit orchard, adding diversity and extending the harvesting season.
Medlars and Wildlife
Medlars can play a beneficial role in supporting local wildlife. The flowers attract bees and other pollinators, which are essential for fruit production. In autumn, the fallen fruit provides food for birds and small mammals. Planting a medlar tree can contribute to a more biodiverse and sustainable garden environment.
Historical and Cultural Significance
Medlars have a rich cultural history that adds to their charm. In medieval times, they were known as “open-arses” due to the fruit’s unusual shape. They were a popular fruit in Elizabethan England and often appeared in literature, including works by Shakespeare. Medlars were also a symbol of fertility and renewal in ancient cultures, making them a meaningful addition to the garden.
Propagating Medlars
If you are interested in expanding your medlar collection or sharing this unique fruit with friends, propagating medlars is relatively straightforward. Medlars can be propagated from seed, although this method can be slow and may not produce true-to-type fruit. Instead, grafting and budding are the preferred methods for propagating medlars.
Grafting involves joining a medlar scion (a young shoot) to a rootstock from another fruit tree, such as a quince or hawthorn. This technique ensures the new tree retains the desirable characteristics of the parent plant. Budding, a similar process, involves inserting a single bud from the medlar onto the rootstock. Both methods require some skill and patience, but they offer a rewarding way to propagate medlars.
Medlars in Permaculture
Medlars can be an excellent addition to a permaculture garden due to their low maintenance requirements and multiple uses. They can be integrated into forest gardens, where their shade tolerance allows them to coexist with other plants. Their deep root system helps improve soil structure and water infiltration, benefiting the overall health of the garden ecosystem.
Growing Medlars in Containers
For those with limited garden space, medlars can also be grown in containers. Choose a large pot with good drainage and use a high-quality, loamy potting mix. Container-grown medlars will require more frequent watering and feeding than those grown in the ground, but they can still produce a good crop of fruit. Be sure to protect container-grown trees from severe frost by moving them to a sheltered location or wrapping the pot in insulating material.
Medlars and Climate Change
As climate change affects traditional fruit-growing regions, medlars may become an increasingly valuable crop. Their ability to tolerate a range of soil types and conditions makes them resilient to changing weather patterns. Additionally, their late harvest period provides fresh fruit at a time when other crops have finished, contributing to food security and diversity.
Conclusion
Growing medlars in Britain is a rewarding experience that combines historical significance, culinary delight, and garden aesthetics. With the guidance of a nursery expert, this article has provided a comprehensive overview of how to select, plant, care for, and enjoy medlars. Whether you are looking to add an unusual fruit to your garden or interested in sustainable gardening practices, medlars offer a unique opportunity to enrich your horticultural pursuits. By incorporating medlars into your garden, you can enjoy the benefits of this ancient fruit for years to come.
