Quince
Also known as
Common quince, Membrillo, Coing, Marmelo, Quitte, Quince tree
Keep this plant’s care guide close at hand.
Get the appAbout Quince
Cydonia oblonga, commonly called quince, is a small, deciduous fruit tree in the Rosaceae family, valued for its perfumed, golden-yellow pomes and spring blossoms. Typically 3–6 m tall, it bears twisted, gray-barked branches, ovate felted leaves, and solitary white to pale pink flowers in mid- to late spring. The fruits are hard, astringent, and fuzzy when immature, ripening late autumn with a strong, floral aroma; they are usually cooked into jams, jellies, pastes (membrillo), and preserves. Quince thrives in well-drained loam with slightly acidic to neutral pH and benefits from full sun. Many cultivars are self-fertile, though cross-pollination can improve yields. It is generally hardy and drought tolerant once established, but young trees and blossoms can be damaged by late frosts. As with other pome fruits, quince can be susceptible to fire blight and leaf spot in humid climates, making pruning for airflow and careful irrigation important. Compact size and ornamental flowers make it suitable for small orchards and edible landscapes.
Taxonomy
Properties & Requirements
How to care for Quince
Water
Irrigate deeply and infrequently to wet the root zone 30–45 cm. Provide about 25–40 mm of water weekly during dry spells, especially from bloom through fruit swell. Use drip or soaker hoses to keep foliage dry and reduce fire blight risk. Mulch 5–8 cm to conserve moisture and moderate soil temperature, keeping mulch a few centimeters from the trunk. Reduce watering after leaf drop and avoid waterlogged soils, which promote root disease and poor vigor.
Light
Provide full sun for best bloom and fruit—at least 6–8 hours of direct light daily. In very hot regions, light afternoon shade can reduce sunburn on fruits and leaves without compromising yield. Good air circulation is essential to limit fungal diseases; avoid dense shade and overcrowding. Orient training and pruning to open the canopy and distribute light evenly across fruiting wood for improved color and sugar accumulation.
Nutrients
Quince is a moderate feeder. In early spring, apply a balanced or slightly potassium-forward fertilizer (e.g., 5-10-10) and 2–5 cm of well-rotted compost as mulch, keeping it off the trunk. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which encourages soft growth and raises fire blight risk. A light top-up after fruit set supports sizing. In alkaline soils, monitor for iron chlorosis and correct with chelated iron. Always water in fertilizers and adjust rates to soil tests and tree vigor.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA Zones 5–9, quince tolerates winter lows around −20 to −25°C once established. It requires roughly 300–600 chill hours (<7°C) for reliable flowering and fruiting. Blossoms are sensitive to late spring frosts (damage can occur near −2°C), so avoid frost pockets. Optimal growing-season temperatures are 18–30°C; sustained extremes >35°C may cause sunscald and reduce fruit quality—light afternoon shade and adequate irrigation help in hot climates.
