Watering medlar

• Medlar Origin
• Medlar care and location
• Cutting medlar
• Watering medlar
• Fertilizing medlar

Medlar Origin

The medlar (Mespilus germanica) belongs to the rose family and is native to southeastern Europe and western Asia. It is also known as the common medlar or wood medlar and was cultivated as far back as antiquity. Medlar trees can grow up to 15 meters tall. The medlar has been valued for its fruit and medicinal properties for centuries.

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

The medlar's flowers are small and white, appearing in spring. The leaves are dark green, ovate, and smooth. The medlar's fruits are spherical and reddish in color. They ripen between September and October and have a tart flavor. These sour fruits are used in cooking for jams, cakes, and other sweet dishes. In herbal medicine, they are used for their antibacterial, digestive, and anti-inflammatory properties. 

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 proper watering. Young medlar trees need plenty of water to develop strong roots, leaves, and fruit. Generally, young trees require more water than mature trees. They are deep-rooted and can access water in deeper soil layers. The taproot of the medlar typically reaches a depth of several meters. However, it is possible that some cultivated varieties of medlar have been grafted onto other trees and are therefore shallow-rooted.

Increasing drought and rising temperatures are causing stress for trees. Depending on the specific location and the climate, more frequent watering than in previous years may be necessary. During periods of drought, few new shoots develop, and young medlar trees suffer from water scarcity. Medlar trees should be watered once a week from spring to autumn. They prefer moist soil without waterlogging, making drip irrigation with a tree bath watering bag ideal. Conventional watering often applies too much water at once, so the soil can only absorb a portion of it. 

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.