The Medlar Fruit Tree: Easy to Grow, Productive and Shaped like a Dog's Bottom?

While I have lots of experience growing conventional fruit trees like apples, pears, apricots, plums, and cherries, I recently learned about the classic old world fruit of the medlar fruit tree.

Interestingly, Medlar fruit trees are super productive and easy to grow. Intrigued by its unique characteristics and storied past, I invited Jane Steward, author of "Medlars - Growing and Cooking", to join me on a recent podcast. Jane has a National Collection of Medlar varieties in North Norfolk, UK, and her passion for these quirky trees is contagious.

Together, we explored how to choose, grow, and prune medlar fruit trees. We also delved into this unique (and funny-looking!) fruit’s appearance, taste, and preparation. As Jane put it, "In France, this fruit is known as a cul de chien, which sounds a great deal more attractive than 'dog's bottom,' which is how it translates in English!" That description alone might make you curious enough to grow one!

So, let's dig in!

Introduction to the Medlar Fruit

Medlar fruit is hard to find in supermarkets and even in farmers' markets. But this old world fruit is steeped in history. Closely related to apples and pears, medlar fruit can taste a bit like apple sauce, with hints of quince and pear.

"Medlars are versatile. They make very delicious as well as distinctive looking table fruit," Jane explained. Some varieties, like the Iranian Medlar, can be eaten straight from the tree when fully ripe. Others are ideal for creating jellies, chutneys, and even medlar syrup.

They are also beautiful trees, with wonderful spring blossoms and fabulous fall colour. A generous harvest is the icing on the cake.

Growing Medlar Trees

If you’re looking for a low-maintenance fruit tree, Jane says that medars are a good option.

"They are easy, straightforward, undemanding trees to grow," she said. "They do really well in temperate zones four through eight in the Northern Hemisphere and the equivalent in the Southern Hemisphere."

Medlars are also self-fertile, meaning you only need one tree to produce fruit. That’s a big advantage over apples, which often require a second tree for cross-pollination. Jane enthusiastically noted how Medlars remove the confusion of cross-pollination rules, calling them “heaven sent.”

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Pruning Medlar Trees: A Detailed Guide

While these trees are low-maintenance, they are not "no-maintenance." Pruning is essential for maintaining a healthy Medlar tree. Here’s a breakdown of some essential pruning practices:

Pruning is essential for maintaining a healthy Medlar tree. Here’s a breakdown of some essential pruning practices:

1. Understanding the Growth Pattern: Medlars naturally grow in a bushy manner with unpredictable shapes. As Jane humorously put it, "They’re rather like children. They start with the same genetic ingredients, but hey, one's got curly hair and one's got straight hair and off we go."
2. Avoid Heading Cuts: Medlars are tip-bearing trees, meaning they produce fruit on the previous year's growth. Shortening branches with heading cuts will remove fruiting buds and reduce your harvest. Instead, leave the tips intact to encourage fruit production.
3. Thin Out Crossing Branches: Focus instead on removing branches that cross or rub against each other, which can lead to damage and disease. Selectively prune entire branches as needed to improve air circulation.
4. No Formal Structure Needed: Unlike apple trees, medlars don't require a rigid structure. Their naturally charming shapes are part of their appeal.
5. Initial Pruning at Planting: If you're planting a young bare-root whip (a one-year-old tree), head it back (shorten in) to the height where you want your first branches to form. After that, the tree will naturally take the lead. As Jane said, "The tree will know what to do."

"You can just decide where your first branches are and take it from there," she said. "Rub anything off below that and then you're done."

Medlar Varieties and Rootstocks

When selecting a Medlar tree, it’s crucial to choose the right variety and rootstock to match your needs.

• Cultivar Differences: From the popular Nottingham to the dessert-worthy Iranian, cultivars differ in size, flavor, and growth habits. Jane noted the challenges in identifying cultivars, saying, "Facial recognition problems are huge with Medlar, particularly these medium-sized, round, quite closed calyx examples."
• Choosing Rootstock: Choose a suitable rootstock based on available space and desired tree size. For instance, Quince C rootstock supports a more compact growth ideal for smaller gardens.

Exploring More about Medlar Fruit Trees and Jane Steward's Book

For those interested in a deep dive into these fascinating trees, you can listen to the podcast, watch the video, and/or explore Jane's book below.

Or you can dig into Jane Steward’s book, "Medlars - Growing and Cooking", which provides a comprehensive look into both the horticultural and culinary aspects of Medlars. Steward’s expertise and passion are evident as she shares recipes alongside practical growing tips.

It Looks Funny - and That's Part of the Charm

Many of us grow fruit trees because we want to enjoy the taste of fruits that you can't buy anywhere else. The Medlar fruit tree is a great option for that. It's more than just an oddity; it's a resilient and versatile tree. Whether you're interested in its historical roots or culinary applications, the Medlar fruit tree is full of surprises. Its quirky appearance may raise a few eyebrows, but once you taste its rich, sweet flavor, you'll understand why this ancient fruit has stood the test of time.

FAQ on Medlar Fruit Trees (Courtesy of Jane Steward)

Susan Poizner

Award-winning author, podcaster, fruit tree care educator and creator of the fruit tree care education website OrchardPeople.com. Learn more about Susan on the about us page.