Medlar Origin

The medlar (Mespilus germanica) belongs to the rose family and is native to Asia and Europe. It is also known as the wood medlar or common medlar and was cultivated in ancient times. Medlar trees can grow up to 15 m tall. The medlar is native to many parts of Europe and Asia and has been used for centuries for its fruit and medicinal properties.

In some cultures, the medlar was considered a symbol of fertility and rebirth and was often used during wedding ceremonies. The medlar was also used in folk medicine to treat illnesses such as diabetes and colds. In Greek mythology, the medlar was associated with the goddess Demeter, who was worshipped as the goddess of fertility and agriculture.

The flowers of the medlar are small and white and appear in spring. The leaves are dark green, egg-shaped and have a smooth surface. The fruits of the medlar are spherical and have a reddish color. They ripen between September and October and have a sour taste. The sour fruits are used in the kitchen for jam, cakes and other sweet dishes. In natural medicine it is used for its antibacterial, digestive and anti-inflammatory effects. The medlar is rich in vitamins and minerals and is used in traditional Chinese medicine as a medicinal plant against sore throats, coughs and hoarseness.

Medlar care and location

Medlars are best planted in sunny to partially shaded locations and require well-drained, nutrient-rich soil.

Cutting medlar

To encourage new shoots, medlar trees are pruned between January and April. After flowering, dry and inward-facing branches should be removed. Water shoots and branches that compete with the central branch should also be removed to make the tree more productive.

Watering medlar

The most important care measure in the first few years after planting is correct watering. Young medlar trees need a lot of water to develop strong roots, leaves and fruit. Young trees generally need more water than fully grown trees. They have deep roots and can use water in deeper layers. The taproot of the medlar usually reaches a depth of about 10 m. However, it is possible that some cultivated forms of the medlar have been grafted onto other trees and are therefore shallow-rooted.

Increasing dryness and rising temperatures cause stress in trees. Depending on the location and the climatic situation, more frequent watering may be necessary than in previous years. In dry conditions, only a few new shoots are formed and the young medlar trees suffer from the lack of water. Medlar trees should be watered once a week from spring to autumn. They like moist soil without waterlogging, so drip irrigation with baumbad watering bags is ideal. With conventional watering, only a fraction of the water poured is absorbed directly by the tree. Large amounts of water only penetrate the surface of the soil and evaporate again or seep away.

With a baumbad watering bag Over a period of several hours, the water is released drop by drop to the tree through two small holes. This creates an even level of moisture, so that the roots close to the surface can also absorb the water well. Using tree bath watering bags not only saves time and money, but also protects the trees in the long term and sustainably. The bag is placed around the tree trunk like a jacket and closed with a zip. Next, fill the bag with enough water that after further alignment, no wrinkles are visible in the lower area, and then let it fill up. By filling a watering bag, young trees are supplied with enough water. In order to water larger trees sufficiently in very dry periods, it is possible to connect two or more watering bags together.

Fertilizing medlar

Standard and semi-standard varieties with strong, deep roots generally do not require any fertilizer. In shallow-rooted varieties, the uptake of nutrients is lower, so that fertilization makes sense. By creating a tree ring, medlar trees can absorb nutrients well. The area should be kept free of weeds.

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