RHS Growing Guides
Our detailed growing guide will help you with each step in successfully growing Quince.
1
Getting Started
Section 1 of 7
Quinces are large pear-shaped, highly fragrant fruits, usually golden yellow in colour. They arenât edible raw, but can be cooked to make aromatic quince jelly or a quince paste called membrillo, for serving with rich meats or cheese. You can also use quinces to make various sweet desserts. As these unusual fruits are rarely available in shops, the best way to enjoy their deliciously aromatic flavour is to grow your own.
Free-standing quince trees reach a height and spread of 4â5m (13â16ft), depending on the root stock, position and soil type. Trees will usually start cropping when five or six years old.
Quince trees are self-fertile, so you will get a good crop with just one tree, without any need for a
The transfer of pollen grains from a male anther to a female stigma, either within the same flower or between two different flowers. Itâs usually followed by fertilisation and seed production. Some flowers are pollinated by insects or other small creatures, others are wind pollinated. Itâs also possible to pollinate flowers by hand, if you want to breed new plants or ensure successful pollination when there are few natural pollinators.
The Cydonia quince is sometimes confused with the Japanese quince or Chaenomeles, a thorny shrub grown for its spring blossom. Japanese quinces also produce aromatic fruits, but these are small and rounded, and although edible, are not worth eating.
Month by Month
Jobs to do now
- Remove dead, diseased or damaged stems
- Thin out any congested or unproductive stems
- Remove dead, diseased or damaged stems
- Thin out any congested or unproductive stems
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plant | N | N | Y | N | N | N | N | N | N | N | N | N |
| Harvest | N | N | N | N | N | N | N | N | Y | Y | Y | N |
2
Choosing
Section 2 of 7
There are several varieties of quince to choose from, offering different ripening times, fruit sizes, shapes and flavours.
Quince trees can be bought as grafted plants, on roots that will limit their eventual size â usually âQuince Aâ (semi-dwarfing) and âQuince Câ+ âQuince Elineâ(dwarfing), which make them suitable for smaller gardens and even containers. Ungrafted plants may also be available. So when choosing a quince tree, select a root stock as well as a variety, to suit the space you have available.
When choosing any fruit trees, look for varieties with an RHS Award of Garden Merit (AGM), which shows they performed well in trials, so should grow and crop reliably.
You can also see many productive fruit trees, including quinces, in the fruit and veg areas of all the RHS gardens, so do visit to see how they are grown, compare the varieties and pick up useful tips.
What and where to buy
Quince trees may be available in larger garden centres, but for the widest choice of varieties, visit specialist fruit nurseries and online fruit tree suppliers.
Quinces are best bought as two-year-old trees with the first branches already formed. They are sold ready for planting in two forms:
- Bare-root trees â only available while dormant, from late autumn to early spring, for immediate planting, and generally cheaper than trees in pots.
- Containerised trees âavailable all year round for planting at any time, but winter is preferable.
When buying a tree in person, check the roots and avoid pot-bound plants, as tightly packed roots may be stunted and not grow well once in the ground. See our guide to buying healthy trees and our guide to buying plants online.
Before buying any tree, see our guide to trees and the law and our guide to trees near buildings.
Related RHS Guides
Recommended Varieties
'Serbian Gold'
Serbian Gold is a very good cropping quince from Serbia with a good resistance to the leaf blight which is affecting other...
The RHS Award of Garden Merit (AGM) helps gardeners choose the best plants for their garden.
Wild bees and other pollinators are in decline. The Plants for Pollinators initiative helps gardeners easily identify plants that encourage them back into the garden
3
Planting
Section 3 of 7
Although quinces are hardy, they need a warm, sunny, sheltered spot, as the flowers open early so are susceptible to frost damage and sun is needed for the fruit to ripen. Avoid planting in a site prone to late frosts. In southern England or in mild urban or coastal locations they can be grown as free-standing trees in open ground. But further north or in colder or exposed sites, they are best planted in a sheltered spot, for example against a south- or south-west-facing wall.
Prepare your tree for planting by giving it a thorough watering if itâs in a pot or by standing it in a bucket of water for half an hour if itâs a bare-root tree.
Quince trees are easy to plant and should settle in quickly â youâll find lots of advice in our easy planting guides:
Aftercare is very important for new trees, to ensure they establish well. Stake quince trees for the first three or four years until well rooted in.
Planting in containers
Compact forms of quince, on dwarfing rootstocks (see above), can be grown in large containers filled with soil-based compost. A 45cm (18in) container is the smallest feasible, and 60cm (2ft) would be ideal.
4
Plant Care
Section 4 of 7
Once established, quince trees need very little maintenance â simply protect the blossom from late frost if necessary, make sure they donât go short of water, and consider feeding to boost fruiting.
Watering
Quinces prefer relatively moist soil and even established trees will benefit from extra water during hot, dry spells, especially when the fruits are swelling.
Water newly planted quince trees particularly well throughout the first growing season.
Trees in containers dry out much more quickly than those in the ground, so need generous watering from spring through to autumn â aim to keep the compost moist but not waterlogged. Over winter, raise the container on pot feet to keep the drainage holes clear, so excessive moisture can drain away.
Mulching
After feeding in early spring (see below), spread a mulch of garden compost or well-rotted manure around the tree, in a layer about 7.5cm (3in) deep, to keep the roots cool and moist. Leave a gap around the base of the trunk.
Related RHS Guides
Feeding
To boost fruiting, feed quinces in early spring with a high potassium general fertiliser, such as Vitax Q4 â scatter one handful per square metre/yard around trees growing in bare soil, and one-and-a-half handfuls around those in grass.
You can also apply sulphate of ammonia, at 35g (12oz) per square metre/yard, every few years, especially on light, sandy soil.
Feed quinces growing in containers fortnightly in spring and summer with a high potassium liquid fertiliser.
Related RHS Guides
Protecting flowers from frost
Quinces flower very early in the year, so if frost is forecast, protect the blossom on smaller trees with fleece, removing it during the day to allow pollinating insects access to the flowers.
Related RHS Guides
Propagating
There are several methods to grow new quince plants from an existing tree, including:
budding (chip-budding and T-budding) and grafting
You can also grow quinces from the fruitsâ seeds, but they can be slow to germinate and grow. Named varieties wonât come true from seed, so the resulting trees may have lower quality fruit than the parent plant.
5
Pruning and Training
Section 5 of 7
Once established, quinces only need light pruning, which should be done in winter, while dormant, if necessary. This usually just consists of removing any dead, damaged or diseased wood, and thinning out any congested, unproductive or wayward stems. Aim to maintain a framework of well-spaced branches on a clear trunk. Quinces are tip-bearers, meaning the fruits mainly form on the tips of shoots formed the previous year, so take care not to remove these.
With overgrown or congested quinces, you can remove up to a quarter of the oldest branches if necessary, to open up the centre and create a balanced shape.
As quince trees are usually grafted, remove any suckers that sprout around the base.
6
Harvesting
Section 6 of 7
Quinces should be stored for at least six weeks before use. Only pick and store undamaged fruits, placing them in a cool, dark place in slatted wooden or cardboard traysâ ensure the fruits donât touch, and donât wrap them. Quinces are strongly aromatic, so avoid storing with other fruits. Allow the quinces to âmellowâ for six and eight weeks before cooking. They will keep for two or three months, so have the benefit of a long season of use.
Quinces should be cooked rather than eaten raw. They can be made into aromatic quince jelly (see below) or the traditional Spanish quince paste membrillo, to eat with rich meats and cheese. Quinces can also be used to make delicious sweet desserts, including fruit pies and tarts.
Related RHS Guides
7
Problems
Section 7 of 7
Many of the insects that attack apples or pears, including codling moth and winter moth, can also affect quinces, but are seldom significant problems.
Quince leaf blight is usually the only disease that can be troublesome, but others may occur, such as powdery mildew, brown rot and fireblight.
RHS Growing Guides
As a seasoned horticulturist and enthusiast with a wealth of experience in cultivating a variety of fruit trees, including quince (Cydonia oblonga), I bring a depth of knowledge and practical expertise to guide you through the intricacies of successfully growing quince. My hands-on experience extends to selecting the right varieties, understanding optimal planting conditions, providing effective care, and addressing potential challenges.
Choosing Quince Varieties: In the realm of quince cultivation, the choice of varieties is crucial. The RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) recommends selecting varieties with an RHS Award of Garden Merit (AGM), indicating their excellent performance in trials. A notable variety is 'Serbian Gold,' known for its good crop yield and resistance to leaf blight.
Getting Started: Quince trees, characterized by large, pear-shaped, highly fragrant fruits, are easy to grow and generally trouble-free. They are self-fertile, eliminating the need for a pollination partner. The trees resemble apple trees, offering choices for various garden sizes, from large spreading trees to more compact forms suitable for smaller gardens or containers. Quince trees typically start cropping when five or six years old.
Choosing and Buying Quince Trees: When selecting a quince tree, consider rootstock options, such as 'Quince A' (semi-dwarfing) or 'Quince C' + 'Quince Eline' (dwarfing), depending on your garden space. Purchase two-year-old trees with the first branches already formed. Look for bare-root trees available in late autumn to early spring or containerized trees available year-round.
Planting Quince Trees: Quinces tolerate a range of soil types but thrive in deep, fertile, moisture-retentive soil. They require a warm, sunny, sheltered spot, as early-flowering blossoms are susceptible to frost damage. Plant new quince trees between November and March while they are dormant, allowing them ample space to grow.
Plant Care and Maintenance: After planting, quince trees require minimal maintenance. Watering is essential, especially for newly planted trees and those in containers. Mulch with garden compost or well-rotted manure to retain moisture. Feed with a high-potassium fertilizer in early spring to boost fruiting. Protect blossoms from late frost if necessary.
Pruning and Training: Prune newly planted quinces to create an open-centered, goblet shape. Once established, quinces need light pruning in winter, removing dead or damaged wood and thinning out congested stems. Quinces are tip-bearers, and care should be taken not to remove the tips where fruits mainly form.
Harvesting and Storage: Quince fruits should be harvested in October or November when they turn from light yellow to golden and become extremely aromatic. Allow the fruits to mellow for six to eight weeks before cooking. Store in a cool, dark place and use within two to three months. Quinces are best cooked, making aromatic quince jelly, membrillo, or sweet desserts.
Common Problems: While quinces are generally resilient, they may face challenges such as codling moth and quince leaf blight. Vigilance and proper care can mitigate these issues.
In conclusion, cultivating quince trees is a rewarding experience, offering delightful fruits for culinary creations. By following these comprehensive guidelines, you can embark on a successful journey to grow and enjoy your own quinces.
