agave mediopicta and medlars

Hello my lovelies , I'm sorry , I have been away frages and now I want something I come running back !!!! : ) I have two issues ;
1. I have five agave mediopicta , all about 1'-2' across . they r planted out in a very well ventilated and sunny open site. Planted through mypex with about 2" of slate chippings on top . They grow well all summer but in the winter the bottom leaves rot off in succession from the bottom up . they r just about replacing their lost growth every summer so they r just about standing still growth wise , although I did lose one that just lost too much over winter . I haven't dared cover them in the winter as I'm assuming that would exacerbate the situation.
2. Can anyone tell me how to propogate medlars from seed . I have discovered medlar jelly that I made from a friends fruit.........shame to let them go to waste : ) It is one of the nicest things that I have ever tasted and with goose.............weeelllll , who needs sex !!! : ) I know I could probably find a tree in one of the wonderful fruit nurseries but I would particularly like progeny from this particular tree.

 

Woz, I personally don't know anyone who keeps A Medio Picta outside through the winter, most keep them inside, near enough frost free as they don't seem to be as hardy as A Americana but even some of those suffered with lower leaf rot last winter.

 

Yep I think your chancing it a bit with medio picta, best to give them shelter from rain at the very least.

Not sure what you are looking for regarding the medlar and why you need to grow from seed.
Vegetative propagation would probably be the best way to go rather than seed, but never tried growing medlars so not sure if it takes from cuttings or needs grafting.

 

Hi, as the Agave is in the ground, could you perhaps put something around the base, fleece or something to stop the water touching the bottom leaves or central stem. Sand built up around the base may help take the moisture away, perphaps dig in sand around it also. The alternatively, may be to plant it slightly on it's side or on a bank to enable water to run off.

Just my thoughts, as i don't have an Agave, but i've done a lot of research on them, as i plan to have a go growing them from seed or buying a little off shoot. But i'm going for the Americana, seems to be the hardiest - i think!

Good luck.

 

thanx for the response guys .
the agave have been outside for the last three winters now but then it is in southern cornwall in a fairly exposed position , The sand might be a thought . I thought the 2" of slate chippings and membrane would serve in that capacity .
The medlar tree has sentimental value : )

 

p.s. Pixe - Agaves take really well from the off shoots , popped in a pot of gritty compost , I've got five in the greenhouse from mine . Growing from seed sounds interesting . have fun with that . Thanx again : )