The quince is a fruit tree that, although it is not as common as others (citrus, for example), it is a plant that is interesting to know because, in addition to producing edible fruits, these are also medicinal. In addition, it adds ornamental value to the garden, not only for its size, but also for its flowers.
So if you want to know everything about it, characteristics, care, etc., next we are going to talk about the quince.
Origin and characteristics
In this deciduous tree that reaches a maximum height of 6 meters, popularly known as quince or quince. Its scientific name is Cydonia, and is originally from the Caucasus. The leaves are alternate, simple, 6 to 11cm long, and green in color.
The flowers, which bloom in spring, are composed of five white or pink petals. The fruit is a bright golden-yellow pommel 7 to 12cm long by 6 to 9cm wide., with the hard and aromatic pulp.
What are their cares?
If you want to have a copy, we recommend that you provide it with the following care:
Climate
When we go to buy a plant, one of the first things we have to do is find out in what climate or climates it could live well, since otherwise we will most likely end up running a high risk of wasting money in vain.
In the case of the tree in question, it is important to know that, although it can live in any temperate region, prefers areas where winters are long and cold and summers are mild. If you want to know more about its specific cultivation, you can consult our Complete guide to growing quince and prepare your garden to receive it.
Location
It is a plant that must be outside, in full sun. If you are in an area where during the summer season temperatures exceed 30ºC, better place it in semi-shade, or in a corner where you know that direct light will not give it more than a few hours (2-3) at sunrise or sunset .
Earth
- Garden: It is very adaptable. It thrives on both acidic soils (minimum pH: 5,6) and alkaline soils (maximum pH: 7,2). However, it prefers clay loams that are able to absorb water quickly and are also highly fertile. If you'd like to learn more about this, you can check out our guide on fruit trees that resist flooding.
- Flower pot: you can fill it with mulch mixed with 20% perlite. Get the first here and the second by here.
Irrigation
The quince it is very resistant to droughtSo much so that if grown in irrigated land, you should try to water it sparingly to prevent its roots from rotting. For this reason, if you're used to watering frequently and want to buy a specimen, I recommend checking the soil moisture before adding water, at least the first few times. This can be done, for example, by inserting a thin wooden stick all the way to the bottom (if it comes out almost clean, you can water) or by using a digital moisture meter.
When in doubt, and you want to go on safer, tell you that in general it is watered about 3 times a week during the summer (summer) and every 5-6 days the rest of the year. For a deeper understanding of watering periods, you can consult our guide. grafting and care of other fruits.
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Throughout the vegetative season (from spring to late summer / early autumn) you must pay it with organic fertilizers, such as of chicken or bat (guano), u others that surely you usually throw, such as egg and banana peels. Also, to complement your knowledge of fertilization, visit our guide on the pear tree and its care.
Pruning
It could late winter. As its growth rate is slow, you just have to trim the branches to give it the shape of a palmette or helical vessel. Also, it is important to remove those that are dry, diseased or broken, and the pacifiers.
Harvest
You will know that the fruits of the quince are ready when the fruits begin to give off an intense smell and are left without the hairs that cover them. But it is important that you take them when they are completely dry, that is, without the droplets of moisture that usually form in autumn.
Multiplication
Multiply by seeds in spring and cuttings in autumn. Let's see how to proceed in each case:
Seeds
The step by step to follow is the following:
- The first thing to do is fill a seedling tray with universal growing medium and water thoroughly.
- Then, a maximum of two seeds are placed in each socket, and they are covered with a thin layer of substrate.
- Finally, it is watered again, this time with a sprayer / atomizer and the seedling tray is placed outside, in semi-shade.
They will germinate in about 1 month.
Cuttings
To multiply the quince, what is done the most is cut branches of about 30cm of semi-woody wood from the same year and then plant them upside down, with an inclination of 45º, in pots with universal cultivation substrate until spring, which will be when they are planted in their final locations.
Rusticity
It resists frosts of up to -18ºC.
What is the quince for?
Ornamental
It is a plant of great beauty, ideal to have as an isolated specimen, in groups or alignments.
Edible
Image - Wikimedia / Asturnut
I have one that for a few years has borne fruit due to little care. And I want to reproduce it because this year it has not borne fruit ... and that worries me.