Low-stemmed medlar 'Westerveld' – 5-litre pot

The 'Westerveld' medlar is an authentic Dutch classic. This forgotten fruit variety is a wonderful addition to the garden: in May-June, the tree blooms with large, snow-white flowers, followed by striking bronze-green foliage and decorative, rustic fruits. Medlars only become edible after they have been touched by frost or stored in a cool place for a few weeks ('bletting'). The flesh then becomes soft, dull brown, and develops a delicious, complex-sweet flavour reminiscent of sweet applesauce with a hint of cinnamon and date.

Delicious to scoop straight from the skin, but also an absolute delicacy in jellies, jams, desserts, and with cheese boards. Self-pollinating; guaranteed to bear fruit even as a solitary tree.

What is a low-stemmed tree?

Low-stemmed means the tree is grafted onto a slow-growing rootstock, which causes the trees to bear fruit sooner and grow less tall. The advantages of this are that they are suitable for smaller (vegetable) gardens, meaning you can grow more varieties in the same space. It is also convenient that you can harvest easily, safely, and without a long ladder.

Key features:

• Harvest period: October – November (edible after 'bletting' in November/December)
• Flavour: sweet, spicy, reminiscent of applesauce with cinnamon and date
• Fruit colour: bronze-brown
• Use: scoop fresh, jelly, jam, compote, cheese accompaniment
• Position: full sun to partial shade
• Height: 2-3 m
• Planting distance: 2.5-3.5 m
• Self-pollinating: yes
• Flowering period: May – June
• Height at delivery: 70-80 cm (excluding pot)

Tips and care:

• Planting: because this organic tree is supplied in a pot, it can be planted all year round. Medlars have few soil requirements, provided it is well-drained.
• Pruning: the medlar naturally has a whimsical, characteristic shape and barely requires pruning. If necessary, only prune away some dead or damaged branches in late winter.
• Nutrition: apply a moderate amount of organic fertiliser in the spring.
• Open ground or pots: they will always grow better and produce more fruit in open ground.
• Support: provide support for the first year with a stake and tree tie.

TIP: Pick the medlars in late October or November while they are still hard. Lay them 'eye' down on straw or newspaper in a cool place (such as a cellar or shed). After 2 to 3 weeks, they will become soft ('bletted') and perfectly flavoured!