No one ever forgets seeing a quince tree for the first time. Perhaps in October, when the branches bow down almost to the ground with the weight of huge golden quinces which are pear-shaped fruits. and that unmistakable aroma of sweet musk fills the air. Or in the early spring, when the white-felted underside of the leaves gives the unfolding buds all the elegance of a magnolia just at the point of bursting into flower. Or in May, when the trees are smothered with palest-pink, shell-like blossom, as delicately scented as any narcissus.
- Quinces are self-fertile and do not need companion tree as a pollinator, but crops may be heavier if more than one is planted.
- Quinces are totally hardy to winter cold, but the blossom may be susceptable to May frosts.
- Quinces can be grown as standards (5m), half standards, bushes or even trained against the wall. Plant bare-rooted one year old trees, preferably in November. Annual pruning is not necessary for tree or bush forms, however, the crowns may be thinned out .
- Spur back wall specimens in July.
- Quinces are generally trouble-free, and are not susceptible to pests or deseases.
Recommended varieties
- Meech’s Prolific (US). Very reliable cropper and quick to produce fruit, often as early as its third year. Pear shaped.
- Vranja (Serbia). Huge knobbly fruits, very ornamental.
- Isfahan (Iran). All the Iranian and Turkish varieties are sweeter then traditional European varieties, with smoother, less gritty flesh which keeps its shape when cooked.
- Stockists will be the subject of another posting in the future.
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