Royal Medlar fruit trees are a classic European garden favorite. Medlar fruit trees are revered for their ornamental value and for their delicious, unique fruit. Cultivation date is unknown, however, it may have originally hailed from Russia. The Royal Medlar tree was introduced into England from France by nurseryman Thomas Rivers in 1860. Royal Medlar is a heavy cropper that can start to bear fruit at an early age. Like all medlars, it is an extremely hardy and undemanding plant. It’s blooms are large and white in spring that changes to pink.  Royal Medlar fruit is about 1-2 inches in diameter, soft brown in color and born from large, beautiful white flowers. It has a texture and flavor reminiscent of cinnamon-applesauce and can be eaten fresh, cooked, roasted or in pies and jelly. Medlar fruit is hard at harvest time and must be allowed to ripen for a few weeks in a cool, light place where it becomes soft and juicy. This process is called bletting. For further information on the Royal Medlar see below to assist in selecting this bare root fruit tree for sale. Please note: the Royal Medlar this season is pruned to 2 to 3 ft. The caliper is 3/8 to 1/2 inch. 

Considerations for Royal Medlar

USDA Zones: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Uses: Fresh Eating, Cooking / Sauces

Low Chill: Yes

Heirloom: Yes

Pollination Requirement: Self-Fertile

Storage: 1-2 months

Disease Resistance: Good

Years to Bear: 2-4 years

Recommended Spacing: 8-12 ft.

Mature Size: 7-12 ft.

Water Requirements: 12-15 gallons per week May through Sept.

Size of tree

Pruning tip

Basic idea for Pruning: Most fruit trees should be pruned in frost-free periods mid to late winter. (apricots best after bud break) Remove most vertical branches and shorten side branches. Fruiting wood is best on horizontal to 45 degree limbs. Learn more...

Shipping information

Shipping Note: Our fruit trees and berries are delivered to you bareroot during their winter dormancy from January through May depending on USDA zone. Trees are shipped with your invoice and helpful planting directions. There is no minimum quantity required but shipping rate for an individual tree is expensive since UPS/Fed Ex charge a dimensional weight and an additional handling fee to ship a tree. You'll find it's cost effective to consider a handful of trees,vines or our helpful Tree Starter Kits.