Mespilus germanica |
Native Region: Western Asia/Eastern Europe
Zone Range: 6-9
Preferred Climate: Full to semi sun; well draining orchard soil
Harvest Date: Tuesday 06 December, 2011
Seed count: 10-12
Description:
An uncommon self fertile small fruit tree from antiquity. White rose like flowers appear after the dark green leaves have emerged. Fruits resemble greenish giant rosehips until the autumn where the russet skins takes on a glowing golden hue. Leaves take on a blazing bronze-scarlet colour before dropping. Medlar fruit are picked green and stored stem side up and allowed to soften (as with persimmons) this is when the flesh becomes sweet and can be eaten with a spoon right out of its skin. Jelly made of the bletted fruit is simply divine...like the ultimate cherry jelly. My husband and I savoured the flavour in tiny bites. Makes a small tree to 4-5 metres with an equal spread. Trouble free trees. Protect from bambi.
Cultivation:
Soak seed 24-36 hours. Cold stratify for 2-3 months in moistened peat. Germination can be erratic and prolonged if seed coat is allowed to dry and harden...so we're keeping the green seed cold stored in moist peat for increased viability and germination rates. Upon receiving sow in deep nursery pots and continue treatment for spring germination. Like other member of the Roseacea family, sometimes the second spring is needed, so don't do anything rash. I've learned from my mistakes of tossing a so-called 'dud' pot.
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