Cydonia oblonga ( Quince Tree) is a deciduous fruiting tree that is native to Western Asia, Turkey and Iran. It is widely grown for it delicious pear-like fruit which can be stewed, roasted or boiled as well as made into pies and jams. Quince trees grow in a wide range of conditions but require some cold temperatures if they are to set quality fruit. They are also widely cultivated as an ornamental by landscapers and by nurseries to use as root stock.
Flowers that bloom during spring are large, white and pink in colour and attract beneficial insects to the garden. Fruits are a good source of pectin which is high in dietary fibre.
As a fruit, it’s a much tastier choice than the Japanese Quince.
Growth
Cydonia oblonga is a short fruit tree that reaches no higher than 8 metres (26 feet) and stretches as wide as 6 metres (20 feet). The fruits flesh is like a pear but is round shaped with a diameter ranging from 7 – 12 cm (3-5 inches. Seeds are poisonous and although there are many recipes available on the internet they can cause irritation to the throat and difficulty breathing.
Seedlings can be erratic in their habit and can grow more like a vine or thicket. It is recommended to stake and support young seedlings to train their growth. Quince trees prefer full sun but if fruit isn’t in the end game, they will tolerate part shade. Young seedlings started in spring may still require some protection from the following winter.
Quince trees are self-pollinating but to achieve a decent fruit set, they need to cross-pollinate with a related member of their family. Pears, Apples and other Quinces aid in increasing the harvest but they will also impart some of their flavour onto the fruit.
One of the more popular uses for Quince trees is for nurseries to use them as a root stock. Their tolerance for poor soils and drought make them a versatile and reliable species. Root stocks of Quince are used to graft on ornamental trees such as Flowering Pears and selected Apple cultivars to improve adaptability for the customer.
FAMILY:
Rosaceae
CLIMATE:
Cold, Temperate, Sub-Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
-15 to 30°C / 5 to 86°F
SOIL TYPE:
Moist, rich and well draining.
LOCATION:
Full Sun – Part Shade
HEIGHT:
Up to 8 metres (25 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 6 metres (20 feet)
pH:
5.0-7.0
GROWTH TYPE:
Deciduous
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Medium
POLLINATION:
Insects and Self Fertile.
MATURITY:
5-6 years.
GERMINATION RATES:
55-70%
GERMINATION TIME:
Cold stratification for 4 weeks, germination from 3-4 weeks.
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 14
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
No
WEED POTENTIAL:
No
FACTS ABOUT CYDONIA OBLONGA (Quince Tree)
Quinces were first introduced into England around 1275 when Edward I order some to be planted near the Tower of London.
The seed oil of Quinces has a similar composition to Sunflower Oil.
It was recorded that during the 18th century in New England, USA there was always a quince tree planted in the vegetable garden.
