Quince Tree
The low maintenance, cold-hardy Quince quince used to be a garden standard, and the apple and pear related favorite is seeing a resurgence in Portland-area gardens.
Plant care & info
Full sun.
These trees prefer heavy, wet soils.
Regular, deep watering during the hot summer months is beneficial to fruit production.
They thrive on neglect, and therefore rarely require fertilizer (fertilize once a year at most).
12-15′ tall and wide, but can be pruned to 8-10′ tall.
Spacing: 10-15′ apart.
Early spring with large, white, waxy flowers. This is followed by large, dark green leaves with fuzzy undersides. Fragrant, golden fruits are ready in fall when the skin loses its greenish color.
Since quince is in the rose family they are susceptible to similar diseases. However, good care of your tree can help prevent problems.
The trees should be pruned to an open vase shape. Because of the tendency of branches to weep and become leggy, it is recommended you head back branches to support the heavy fruit. Additional pruning includes removal of suckers and water sprouts. Fruit does not need to be thinned unless there is a very heavy crop.
Click to download this year’s Quince Varieties.
Learn more about: Pruning & Training Fruit Trees.
Quinces are excellent for jams, jellies, preserves and wine. They ripen in fall and are still hard, but bruise easily. The fruit will keep for a few weeks when refrigerated.
