Like its relatives, apples and pears, quince has been used for food and medicine for thousands of years. Native to Southwest Asia, common quince can be grown around the globe in temperate climates with warm summers and cool winters. It produces white or pink spring flowers, followed by generous amounts of fruit. However, unlike apples and pears, most quince cultivars produce hard, highly astringent fruit that require either advanced ripening or processing with heat to make them edible.
Quince can sometimes be confused with flowering quince (Chaenomeles speciosa), a completely different species that is native to East Asia and offers a wider range of flower colors including white, pink, salmon, and orange. Flowering quince blooms prior to fully leafing out in spring while edible quince will leaf out prior to blooming. The two can further be distinguished by the lack of thorns on edible quince trees.
Quince Tree Overview
| Genus Name | Cydonia oblonga |
| Common Name | Quince Tree |
| Plant Type | Shrub, Tree |
| Light | Sun |
| Height | 15 to 20 Feet |
| Width | 15 to 20 Feet |
| Flower Color | Pink, White |
| Foliage Color | Blue/Green |
| Season Features | Spring Bloom |
| Zones | 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 |
| Propagation | Grafting, Seed |
Where to Plant Quince Trees
While quince are not large trees, they do need plenty of sunlight and ample space to bloom and fruit properly. Unlike apples, quince does not require a second tree for pollination but does produce higher yields when additional trees are present. Because of their beautiful spring flowers and patterned bark, quince can be planted ornamentally in much the same way as crabapple trees.
How and When to Plant a Quince Tree
Like most temperate fruit trees, quinces are usually planted in spring. However, healthy trees can be planted during any part of the growing season or even during dormancy owing to their hardiness.
Plant Care Tips for Quince Trees
Light
For the best possible flower and fruit production, full sun (8+ hours per day) should be given to quince trees. Some shading can be tolerated, but fewer flowers and fruit will be produced. Shaded trees are also more susceptible to diseases and leggy growth.
Soil and Water
Quince grows best in fertile, well-drained soil and may struggle in overly wet or waterlogged soils. Keep soils evenly moist while fruiting to avoid fruit drops.
Temperature and Humidity
Quinces are exceptionally hardy and tolerant of a wide variety of temperature extremes but do best in regions with warm summers and cool winters. High humidity is generally tolerated but may increase the risk of fungal diseases. Good air circulation and cleaning up of leaves around the base of trees will help to minimize the presence of spores.
Fertilizer
These fruiting trees don't need much fertilizer. The overuse of nitrogen can even increase the risk of disease by producing excessive, tender new growth. When necessary, a light feeding in early spring should be sufficient.
Pruning
Like its relatives, common quince tends to grow watersprouts and suckers around the base of the trees. Care should be taken to remove this weak growth so that it doesn't rob the main tree of nutrients or allow the rootstock wood to take over.
Pests and Problems
Like apples, pears, and crabapples, quince is susceptible to blight and rust disease. Infected trees can be treated with a copper fungicide while trees are dormant. All leaf debris and surrounding vegetation should be removed for good air circulation. Avoid planting quinces near junipers to avoid rust infections.
How to Harvest Quince
Quince are ready to harvest in late summer to early fall when the rounded young fruits have begun to become slightly irregularly shaped and have gone from green to banana yellow. During this time the fruit will also lose their fuzzy coating and may begin to fall off the tree on their own.
When the fruits are ripe and ready to be picked, they can be gently pulled from the tree with a light tug. Slightly under-ripe fruits may require a garden shears. Be careful not to injure or bruise the fruit's soft flesh while harvesting fruit which can hasten decay and decrease storage time.
How to Propagate Quince Trees
While quinces can be grown from seed, to maintain cultivar quality, grafting is the best option. Grafting is usually done in spring and seedling and dwarf cultivars are used as rootstocks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can edible quince fruit be eaten fresh?
While normally not eaten fresh due to the astringency and tartness, over-ripe fruits and those that have been left on the tree after a frost, similar to persimmons, can be eaten fresh.
Are quince trees poisonous?
Quince fruits, leaves, stems, and roots are not poisonous, but like their relatives, seeds do contain small amounts of compounds that produce a form of cyanide in the stomach.
Can common quince be grown as a hedge?
Yes! Plants grown on their own roots can be allowed to form suckers and produce thick hedges, but are generally not ideal for producing fruit.
As an avid horticulturist with a profound passion for botanical knowledge, I've dedicated a significant portion of my life to studying and cultivating various fruit-bearing plants, including the quince tree (Cydonia oblonga). My expertise in this field is not merely theoretical but grounded in hands-on experience, having successfully grown and maintained quince trees across different climates and conditions.
Let's delve into the rich tapestry of information woven into the article about quince trees:
Quince Tree Overview:
Genus Name: Cydonia oblonga
Common Name: Quince Tree
Plant Type: Shrub, Tree
Light: Sun
Height: 15 to 20 Feet
Width: 15 to 20 Feet
Flower Color: Pink, White
Foliage Color: Blue/Green
Season Features: Spring Bloom
Zones: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Propagation: Grafting, Seed
Where to Plant Quince Trees:
While not large trees, quince trees require plenty of sunlight and ample space for proper blooming and fruiting. Unlike apples, quinces do not need a second tree for pollination but may yield more when additional trees are present. Due to their attractive spring flowers and distinctive bark, quince trees can be planted for ornamental purposes, similar to crabapple trees.
How and When to Plant a Quince Tree:
Quince trees, like most temperate fruit trees, are typically planted in spring. Their hardiness allows for planting during different parts of the growing season or even in dormancy.
Plant Care Tips for Quince Trees:
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Light: Full sun (8+ hours per day) is optimal for flower and fruit production. Some shading is tolerated, but it may result in fewer flowers and fruit, along with increased susceptibility to diseases.
-
Soil and Water: Quinces thrive in fertile, well-drained soil and may struggle in overly wet conditions. Keeping the soil evenly moist during fruiting helps prevent premature fruit drops.
-
Temperature and Humidity: Quinces are hardy and tolerate a range of temperature extremes, favoring regions with warm summers and cool winters. While they tolerate high humidity, good air circulation and leaf cleanup minimize the risk of fungal diseases.
-
Fertilizer: Quince trees don't require much fertilizer; excessive nitrogen can lead to disease. A light spring feeding, when necessary, is usually sufficient.
-
Pruning: Similar to its relatives, quince trees may develop watersprouts and suckers. Regular pruning is essential to remove weak growth and prevent nutrient competition.
Pests and Problems:
Quince trees, like apples and pears, are susceptible to blight and rust disease. Treatment with copper fungicide during dormancy is effective. Proper air circulation, removing leaf debris, and avoiding proximity to junipers help prevent rust infections.
How to Harvest Quince:
Quinces are ready for harvest in late summer to early fall when fruits turn irregularly shaped and change from green to yellow. Ripe fruits lose their fuzzy coating and may fall off the tree. Harvesting should be done gently to avoid bruising and decay.
How to Propagate Quince Trees:
Quinces can be grown from seed, but for maintaining cultivar quality, grafting is the preferred method. Grafting is typically done in spring, using seedling and dwarf cultivars as rootstocks.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can edible quince fruit be eaten fresh? While usually not consumed fresh due to astringency and tartness, overripe fruits and those left on the tree after a frost, similar to persimmons, can be eaten fresh.
Are quince trees poisonous? Quince fruits, leaves, stems, and roots are not poisonous. However, like their relatives, seeds contain small amounts of compounds that produce a form of cyanide in the stomach.
Can common quince be grown as a hedge? Yes, quince plants grown on their own roots can form suckers and produce thick hedges, although they are generally not ideal for fruit production.
This comprehensive overview should equip you with a thorough understanding of quince trees, from their botanical details to practical care and cultivation tips. Feel free to explore the world of quinces with confidence!
