Jessie Keith
Family
Rosaceae
Botanical Name
CYDONIA oblonga
Plant Common Name
Quince
General Description
Long cultivated for its fragrant, tasty fruit, this small, slow-growing deciduous tree from western and central Asia is also notable for its lovely spring flowers and its picturesque multi-trunked habit.
The simple oblong-oval leaves flush light green in spring, soon followed by large, five-petaled, white or pale pink blossoms that are visited by bees. The leaves mature to dull medium green with fuzzy, paler undersides. The pear-shaped to apple-shaped, fuzzy-skinned fruits ripen by early autumn, becoming fragrant and yellow. The leaves turn yellow before dropping in fall, exposing the gnarled trunk and branches.
Grow quince in full sun in well-drained, moderately fertile soil. Over-fertilization causes lush, fireblight-susceptible growth. This tree thrives in hot, relatively dry summers, and is less robust in humid climates. Do not till soil near the trunk; suckers may result. Remove any suckers that appear. Many cultivars have been selected over the years for the aroma, color, size, and fragrance of their fruit. White-fleshed selections include 'Havran'; 'Smyrna'; 'Pineapple'; and 'Cooke's Jumbo'. The fruits of 'Van Deman' and 'Aromatnaya' have yellow flesh; those of 'Apple' have orange-yellow flesh.
Quince fruits are perfect for fresh chutneys, sweet sauces, ciders, and preserves. Most are too astringent for eating out of hand. Fruits keep for many months if stored in a cool, dry, dark location.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
9 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
5 - 9
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Sunset Zone
2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Fruit
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
10'-25' / 3.0m - 7.6m
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Width
15'-25' / 4.6m - 7.6m
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Bloom Time
Spring
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Native To
Central Asia, Western Asia
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Clay, Loam
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Growth Rate
Slow
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Water Requirements
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
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Habit
Oval/Rounded
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
White, Light Pink
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Fruit Color
Yellow, Yellow Green
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Light Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Yellow
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Bark Color
Brown
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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Fragrant Fruit
Yes
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
Yes
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Edible Fruit
Yes
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
No
