Technical sheet of the German Medlar variety
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Color of the fruit flesh: Brown.
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Skin color: When ripe, golden yellow in color.
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Size and shape: Fruits are usually round and can reach a size of 4 cm or more, depending on the variety. The fruits are round to ovoid berries, resembling small apples or pears.
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Tree size: The German medlar can reach a height of 2.5 to 6 meters, depending on growing and climatic conditions.
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Fruit Maturity: Generally ready to harvest from the end of October, after the first frosts, when the fruits are soft and sweet.
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Fruit Taste: After undergoing a ripening process, the medlars become soft, mushy, sweet and delicately flavored.
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Earliness of the variety: The M106 variety of the German Medlar is semi-early, which means that fruiting occurs a little before the standard variety.
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Fruiting period: The fruits of the German medlar are harvested in October and November.
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Disease resistance and storage: The German medlar is easy to grow, resistant to cold, heat, and pollution. Medlars have a long shelf life, allowing them to be stored and consumed several months after harvest.
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Is this variety self-fertile? Yes, the German medlar is self-fertile, meaning that a single tree can bear fruit without requiring a pollinator.
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Commercial Use: Medlars are traditionally eaten fresh or made into jams, jellies, and fruit pastes.
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Comments: The German medlar is hardy and adapts well to harsh climates, making it suitable for cultivation in France. It can live for over 400 years.
Quick read / the essentials on the German medlar (Mespilus germanica)
The German medlar (Mespilus germanica) is an ancient fruit species, prized for its hardiness and the unique quality of its fruit after ripening. Cultivated in Europe since ancient times, it adapts perfectly to temperate and cold climates, making it a variety of choice for French producers. Thanks to its disease resistance and low maintenance requirements, it is particularly well-suited to organic or permaculture orchards.
If you want to buy German medlar plants , it is essential to turn to a specialist medlar plant wholesaler . This type of professional guarantees robust plants, well grafted and adapted to French soil and climate conditions. The German medlar is a self-fertile tree, which means that it can bear fruit without the need for other pollinators. However, the presence of several individuals promotes better production.
The fruits, harvested in late autumn after the first frosts, are eaten after brittleness and are ideal for processing into jams, jellies or artisanal liqueurs. The late flowering in May-June protects the tree from spring frosts, a major asset for producers located in cold zones. In addition, its tolerance to chalky and light soils, as well as its resistance to temperatures down to -20°C, make it a strategic choice for diversifying fruit production.
To ensure optimal yield, it is recommended to use a suitable rootstock. Some of the most effective options include:
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Quince BA29 : promoting rapid fruiting.
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Pear tree : ideal for vigorous, high-stem trees.
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Rowan : excellent for poor soils and difficult conditions.
If you are a professional wishing to buy German medlar plants , contact a specialist medlar plant wholesaler in order to benefit from high-quality plants, guaranteeing reliable production adapted to market requirements.
Presentation of the German Medlar (Mespilus germanica) for apple growers and professional producers in France
The German medlar, or Mespilus germanica, is an ancient fruit species that has been cultivated in Europe for centuries. Despite its name, it is not native to Germany, but to Asia Minor, particularly present-day Turkey. Introduced to Europe by the Romans, it was widely cultivated during the Middle Ages and remains a hardy and resilient tree, perfectly suited to temperate climates. It is prized for its fruit, called medlars, which are eaten after ripening and are well suited to making jams, jellies, and other homemade preparations.
Origin and general characteristics
The German medlar is an ancient fruit species, known and cultivated for over 2,000 years in Europe. It was widespread in the Middle Ages and was one of the fruit trees selected by Charlemagne for the imperial orchards. Its hardiness and ability to adapt to poor soils and harsh climatic conditions make it an attractive choice for growers looking for heritage and resistant varieties.
Description of the fruit
Medlars are round to ovoid fruits, measuring between 3 and 6 cm in diameter. Their skin is brown when ripe and slightly rough. The flesh, initially firm and astringent, becomes tender and sweet after ripening, developing aromas reminiscent of apple sauce with caramelized notes.
The fruits contain several hard seeds and are usually harvested in late autumn, after the first frosts, which help soften their texture and reduce their astringency.
Growing conditions and adaptation to French soil
The German medlar is a hardy tree capable of withstanding temperatures as low as -20°C. It adapts to a wide variety of soils, but prefers deep, fertile, and well-drained soils. It tolerates calcareous and light soils, but does not tolerate very wet soils well.
Its late flowering, in May-June, protects it from spring frosts, making it particularly suitable for regions where other fruit trees suffer losses due to the cold.
It is recommended to plant it in a sunny location to optimize fruiting. The tree reaches an average height of 3 to 6 meters in adulthood, with a spreading habit and slightly twisted branches, giving it a marked ornamental appearance.
Pollination and yield
The German medlar is self-fertile, meaning it can fruit on its own without requiring another pollinating tree. However, planting several trees in close proximity can improve pollination and increase yield.
Its white, nectar-rich, fragrant flowers attract pollinators, especially bees, thus promoting an ecosystem favorable to other fruit crops.
Compatible rootstocks and recommendations
The choice of rootstock influences the vigor, productivity, and adaptability of the medlar to local conditions. Several options are possible:
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Quince BA29 : Allows rapid fruiting and is suitable for low or trained forms.
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Pear tree : Ensures good anchoring and promotes vigorous growth, ideal for tall stems.
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Rowan : Tolerates poor soils and difficult conditions, adapted to cold and mountainous climates.
The choice of rootstock must be adapted to the type of soil and the cultivation objectives (high-stem orchard, intensive production, ornamental orchard).
Maintenance and cultivation management
The German medlar is an easy-to-grow, low-maintenance tree. Light pruning in late winter is sufficient to maintain good structure and promote foliage aeration. Moderate fertilization with compost or a potash-rich amendment promotes flowering and fruiting.
Watering is recommended during the first few years of planting to ensure good rooting. Once established, the tree tolerates drought well.
Harvesting and preserving fruit
Medlars are harvested in October-November, ideally after the first frosts, which accelerate their brittleness. If the frosts are delayed, the fruits can be harvested when firm and stored in a cool, airy place to ripen gradually.
After ripening, medlars can be stored for a few weeks at room temperature and several months in a cool place. They are used in processing (jams, jellies, compotes, liqueurs) or eaten fresh by the spoonful.
Resistance to diseases and pests
The German medlar is not very susceptible to common orchard diseases, but certain precautions should be taken:
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Brown rot : Can cause fruit rot in high humidity conditions. Regular pruning and good ventilation of the tree limit the risks.
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Powdery mildew : A fungus that can affect leaves in humid conditions. Preventative sprays with Bordeaux mixture help limit its growth.
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Aphids and caterpillars : Can attack young shoots. The presence of natural predators (ladybugs, tits) or the application of biological treatments can help control these pests.
Uses and commercial development
The German Medlar has strong potential for niche markets, short supply chains and artisanal development.
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Fresh consumption : After ripening, medlars offer a unique taste experience, appreciated by lovers of old fruits.
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Processed products : Medlars are ideal for making jams, jellies, compotes and fruit pastes, thanks to their richness in pectin.
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Craft beverages : They can be used to produce liqueurs and aromatic spirits.
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Nursery sales : The tree itself is sought after for its ornamental qualities, its late flowering and its elegant shape.
Outlook for French producers
The German medlar tree is an interesting alternative to traditional fruit trees, offering good disease resistance, adaptation to various soils and attractive commercial potential.
Its hardy and undemanding nature makes it a good choice for organic farming and permaculture. In addition, the growing interest in heirloom varieties and local produce is increasing demand for its fruits and derivatives.
To optimize the cultivation of the German Medlar, it is recommended to select a suitable rootstock, to manage diseases preventively and to use its fruits in processed products.
Thanks to its long history, adaptability and diversity of uses, the German Medlar remains a valuable variety for apple growers and medlar producers in France.
To summarize: German medlar (Mespilus germanica)
The German medlar is a heritage variety, ideal for growers looking for a hardy, disease-resistant fruit tree. Its ease of cultivation, late flowering, and adaptation to temperate and cold climates make it an excellent choice for French apple growers. Its fruit, rich in pectin and tasty after ripening, offers numerous opportunities for development, particularly in artisanal processing.
If you want to buy German medlar plants , it is crucial to choose a specialist medlar plant wholesaler . This will guarantee you quality plants, adapted to your terroir and your production objectives. The tree, reaching between 3 and 6 meters in height, requires well-drained soil and a sunny exposure to maximize its yield.
Harvesting takes place in October-November, after the first frosts, which encourage the fruit to turn brittle. The fruit can be stored for several weeks and is highly prized for making jams, jellies, and liqueurs. Thanks to its natural resistance to disease and low susceptibility to pests, the German medlar requires few phytosanitary treatments, making it attractive for organic farming.
To optimize your crop, the choice of rootstock is crucial:
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Quince BA29 for rapid production and efficient rooting.
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A pear tree for good vigor and high-stem production.
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Rowan for increased resistance in difficult environments.
The German medlar is also an ally of biodiversity, attracting numerous pollinators and playing an important role in fruit ecosystems. With the rise of short supply chains and the growing demand for old varieties, it represents an excellent opportunity to diversify an orchard.
In summary, to ensure profitable and sustainable production, consider purchasing German medlar plants from a specialist medlar plant wholesaler . This will ensure you get top-quality plants, adapted to the specific characteristics of your farm and the expectations of the French market.
