Quince

Fruiting quince prefers moisture-retentive but well-drained loam around pH 6.0–7.0 and moderate fertility. Give young trees several seasons to establish, keeping the canopy open and avoiding heavy nitrogen because lush shoots are especially vulnerable to fire blight.

Sun

Full sun

Water

Water deeply during establishment; adjust to rainfall and soil

Spacing

180 in

First harvest

3–5 years

Tips

• Choose fruiting Cydonia oblonga rather than an ornamental flowering quince.
• Water deeply during dry periods, especially while fruit enlarges.
• Use soil-test-based spring feeding rather than routine high-nitrogen fertilizer.
• Watch for blackened shoot tips and remove fire-blight infections with locally recommended sanitation practices.
• Fruit is normally cooked; check local fire blight pressure and winter hardiness.

Plant nursery stock in spring, or in fall where winters are mild, keeping the root flare at soil level and any graft above soil.