Medlar Trees in France: One-Hectare Plot Establishment and Work Schedule

Quick read / The essentials about the Medlar

The medlar (Mespilus germanica) is a hardy fruit tree, appreciated for its production of original and tasty fruits. It adapts well to different soil and climate conditions, provided that careful soil preparation, appropriate fertilization and rigorous irrigation management are ensured. Its cultivation requires a methodical approach to ensure optimal yield and regular production.

One of the key factors in the success of a medlar orchard is the choice of quality plants . As a specialist wholesale supplier of medlar plants , Arboriverse provides you with plants selected for their vigor and adaptability. We support arborists in all stages of planting and maintaining their orchard.

If you want to buy medlar plants , it is advisable to plant them in the fall (November-December) . The optimal spacing between trees is 5-6 m between rows and 4-5 m in the row , or approximately 400 to 500 trees per hectare . Drip irrigation is strongly recommended to ensure good rooting and optimize the development of young plants.

Although the medlar tree is relatively drought-resistant , it needs regular watering, especially during the first few years and during the production period. It is also advisable to monitor fertilization needs to support growth and maximize yield.

As a specialist wholesale supplier of medlar plants , Arboriverse supports you with technical advice and quality plants adapted to your professional needs. To ensure a successful and sustainable establishment of your orchard, consider purchasing medlar plants from a trusted partner.

Typical Layout for a One Hectare Plot of Medlar Trees

1. Preparation of the ground

• Soil Test: Conduct a complete soil test to determine pH, texture, and nutrient levels. Medlar prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.5-7.2).
• Soil work:
  • Deep plowing (50-60 cm) in the autumn before planting to loosen the soil.
  • Carry out subsoiling if necessary to break up compact layers at depth.
  • Refine the soil structure by harrowing in spring.
• Drainage: Ensure good drainage. Install an underground drainage system if the soil is poorly drained.
• Soil amendment:
  • Add 40-50 tonnes/ha of well-rotted manure or compost.
  • Incorporate well-rotted organic matter.
  • Adjust the pH between 6.5 and 7.5.
• Basic fertilization: Add basic fertilizers according to the needs revealed by the soil analysis:
  • Adjust the pH between 6.5 and 7.5.
• Final preparation:
  • Level the ground.
  • Set up a drip irrigation system.

2. Planting

• Spacing:
  • Allow 5-6 m spacing between rows and 4-5 m within the row.
  • Plan for approximately 400-500 trees/ha.
• Period: Preferably in autumn (November-December).
• Planting holes: Dig planting holes 50% wider than the root system.
• Staking: The medlar may require staking to prevent the tree from moving and to facilitate its recovery. This is particularly useful during planting, where a stake can be placed across to hold the tree in place.

3. Irrigation

• Irrigation system: Drip.
• Water requirements:
  • Irrigate regularly (30-40 L/tree/week) the first year.
  • Although drought resistant, the Medlar needs regular water, especially during its early years and once in production.

4. Pollination

• Self-fertile: The available information does not allow us to determine whether the medlar is self-fertile or not.

10-Year Work Schedule for a One-Hectare Plot of Medlar Trees

Year 1: Planting and Establishment

• Autumn: Prepare the soil deeply (50-60 cm). Incorporate 40-50 tonnes/ha of well-rotted manure. Adjust the pH to between 6.5 and 7.5.
• November-December: Plant young trees with a spacing of 5-6 m between rows and 4-5 m within the row (400-500 trees/ha). Install a drip irrigation system.

Year 2: Tree Formation

• February-March: Prune lightly to shape the tree structure.
• April-May: Apply 200-300g/tree of balanced NPK fertilizer (e.g. 15-15-15).
• June-August: Irrigate regularly (30-40 L/tree/week).
• November: Remove dead or poorly oriented branches.

Year 3

• February: Prune to encourage branching.
• March-April: Apply 400-500g/tree of NPK fertilizer.
• May-June: Manually thin the fruit if necessary.
• October-November: First small harvest possible (1-2 kg/tree).

Year 4

• February: Prune to maintain shape and encourage fruiting.
• March: Apply 600-700g/tree of NPK fertilizer.
• May-September: Irrigate abundantly (50-60 L/tree/week).
• October-November: Harvest (5-10 kg/tree).

Years 5 and beyond: Full production

• January-February: Prune annually (remove 20-25% of the year's wood).
• March: Apply 800-1000g/tree of NPK fertilizer.
• April-May: Treat preventively against brown rot and powdery mildew (2-3 treatments with copper or sulfur).
• May-September: Irrigate (60-80 L/tree/week).
• October-November: Harvest (15-25 kg/tree for an adult tree).

Recurring annual operations (from the 5th year)

• Monitor for pests (aphids, scale insects) and treat if necessary.
• Keep the soil clean by mechanical weeding or organic mulching.
• Test the soil every 3-4 years and adjust fertilization accordingly.

Weed control

• Mulching: Apply organic mulch (straw, BRF) within a 1 m radius around the trunk.
• Mechanical weeding: 4-6 passes per year, at a depth of 10-15 cm.
• Manual weeding: 2-3 passes to eliminate weeds close to the trunk.

At maturity (10-15 years), a well-managed orchard can produce 10-15 tonnes/ha of medlars.

This calendar is a guide and should be adapted according to local conditions, variety specificities and field observations.

To summarize: the Medlar

The medlar is a hardy tree that can reach full production in 5 to 7 years , with yields of up to 15-25 kg of fruit per adult tree . To ensure successful planting, careful soil preparation is essential. Deep plowing (50-60 cm), incorporation of organic matter (40-50 t/ha of manure or compost) and the installation of effective drainage create ideal conditions for planting.

Recommended spacing is 5 to 6 meters between rows and 4 to 5 meters within the row , with approximately 400-500 trees per hectare . Planting should be done in the fall , and young trees may require staking to promote rooting.

Irrigation plays a key role, especially during the first years and during the production period. A drip system helps maintain a regular water supply, avoiding water stress that could harm fruit development. Regular monitoring of fertilization needs is also crucial, with NPK inputs adapted to each growth stage .

Regarding pollination, information on the self-fertility of medlar remains limited, and it may be advantageous to plant several varieties to maximize fruiting. Annual pruning, fruit thinning and monitoring for pests and diseases (aphids, brown rot) are essential elements of a good technical itinerary.

To ensure the success of your orchard, choose an experienced supplier. Arboriverse , a specialist wholesale supplier of medlar plants , offers you rigorously selected plants to guarantee optimal growth and good yield. If you are looking to buy medlar plants , we support you with solutions adapted to your needs for efficient and sustainable fruit production.