The medlar tree (Mespilus germanica), which was very well known and attractive in the Middle Ages, has become rare, although it produces masses of tasty fruit. It is not only an ideal bee pasture and a real gem in the garden, but is also particularly easy to care for.
Choose the right variety
Unlike European fruit trees, which like the medlar tree belong to the rose family (Rosaceae), this can only be cultivated with difficulty through regular cuts. While the wild form appears bushy, the medlar tree not only loses its unloved thorns through grafting and improves the taste and size of its fruits, but also changes its habit.
Rowan, pear, hawthorn or quince serve as a base. The medlar comes closest to the latter growth form. It reaches a height of 3 - 4 meters with a characteristic width of 3 - 5 meters. The branches even reach the ground, especially when fully laden with fruit. The bizarre, unique habit of the medlar can only be seen in full size, with as little care as possible.
The plant cut
In order to ensure the supply of the young tree in the new environment, you must not do without a plant cut. For this purpose, the young medlar tree is both pruned in height and reduced in its branches.
The Spindle Training
As is usual in orchards, you can regulate the growth height of the medlar tolerably by training the spindles. For this purpose, the trunk extension is cut off about 30 cm above the last branch every summer until the desired tree size is reached. From now on, cut the trunk extension just above the last branch shoot. Through this derivation, as the expert calls it, the tree no longer grows in height, but only in width. However, the medlar tree does not tolerate shortening of the side shoots, as is usually the case with spindle training.
Increased need for pruning in old age
The medlar tree is approx. 50 years old and bears plenty of fruit after only 3 years. To ensure that yields do not decrease with age, you must remove brittle, withered, old and drooping branches. While summer is ideal for an optional training cut, you should do the thinning cut in the fall. Sharp working material is essential so that the wound heals quickly and no pathogens can enter. So cared for, the medlar tree will thank you well into old age with sufficient fruit yield and a fascinating appearance.