Nottingham Medlar, the only commercially available variety, is characterized by well-sized, disease-resistant fruit, and a low-spreading tree with twisting branches. Its pale green foliage turns dark with age, exhibiting shades of pink, red, and orange in autumn. Simple white flowers appear on branch tips, often surrounded by leaves, making it a year-round specimen tree beneficial for birds and wildlife. Cultivation: Thrives in well-drained soil, fruiting best in full sun. Hardy, but shelter from strong, dry winds is advised. Pruning in the initial four years is vital for vigor and congestion prevention. Fruit needs to undergo "bletting" to become edible, resembling gourmet apple and pear sauce when overripe. Harvesting and Storage: Ready for picking and storage between mid-October and early November. Disinfect fruits before storing in a cool, dark place with the "eye" facing downward. Bletting takes about three weeks, softening the fruit; freezing and thawing can expedite the process. History: Originating in Persia, Medlars became naturalized across Europe. Mentioned by Theophrastus in Greece in 300 BC and noted by Pliny in Rome. Once esteemed, popular in Greece, Turkey, and the Middle East. Shakespeare and Chaucer likened its shape to a person's bottom, with references in Romeo and Juliet. Additional Information: Medlars, once highly regarded, have faded into obscurity, possibly due to negligence rather than appearance.
Fruit Ready to Pick:
Nottingham Medlar, the only commercially available variety, is characterized by well-sized, disease-resistant fruit, and a low-spreading tree with twisting branches. Its pale green foliage turns dark with age, exhibiting shades of pink, red, and orange in autumn. Simple white flowers appear on branch tips, often surrounded by leaves, making it a year-round specimen tree beneficial for birds and wildlife. Cultivation: Thrives in well-drained soil, fruiting best in full sun. Hardy, but shelter from strong, dry winds is advised. Pruning in the initial four years is vital for vigor and congestion prevention. Fruit needs to undergo "bletting" to become edible, resembling gourmet apple and pear sauce when overripe. Harvesting and Storage: Ready for picking and storage between mid-October and early November. Disinfect fruits before storing in a cool, dark place with the "eye" facing downward. Bletting takes about three weeks, softening the fruit; freezing and thawing can expedite the process. History: Originating in Persia, Medlars became naturalized across Europe. Mentioned by Theophrastus in Greece in 300 BC and noted by Pliny in Rome. Once esteemed, popular in Greece, Turkey, and the Middle East. Shakespeare and Chaucer likened its shape to a person's bottom, with references in Romeo and Juliet. Additional Information: Medlars, once highly regarded, have faded into obscurity, possibly due to negligence rather than appearance.
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Fruits ready to be picked
