Troubleshooting
Medlar 'Royal' problems — and how to fix them
Medlar 'Royal' (Mespilus germanica 'Royal') is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Eaten before bletting
Fruit is hard and astringent off the tree and must be bletted — softened until brown and pulpy by frost or storage — before it is sweet and edible.
Spoilage while bletting
The fine line between softening and rotting means damp, warm storage spoils fruit. Keep it cool, airy and spaced out, and inspect frequently.
Fungal leaf spot
Wet seasons can cause leaf spotting and occasional blossom wilt. Prune for airflow, remove fallen leaves and avoid wetting the foliage.
Graft suckering
On quince or pear rootstock the tree may throw root suckers; remove them promptly to maintain a clean single stem.
Prevent medlar 'royal' problems before they start
Most medlar 'royal' issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for medlar 'royal' in general rather than its problems? Read the full medlar 'royal' care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Medlar 'Royal' problems — FAQ
Why is my medlar 'royal' eaten before bletting?
Fruit is hard and astringent off the tree and must be bletted — softened until brown and pulpy by frost or storage — before it is sweet and edible.
Why is my medlar 'royal' spoilage while bletting?
The fine line between softening and rotting means damp, warm storage spoils fruit. Keep it cool, airy and spaced out, and inspect frequently.
Why is my medlar 'royal' fungal leaf spot?
Wet seasons can cause leaf spotting and occasional blossom wilt. Prune for airflow, remove fallen leaves and avoid wetting the foliage.
Why is my medlar 'royal' graft suckering?
On quince or pear rootstock the tree may throw root suckers; remove them promptly to maintain a clean single stem.