Quince
cydonia oblonga
Also known as: ["Common Quince","Marmelo"]
Overview
A deciduous tree native to Iran, Afghanistan, and Central Asia, known for its hardy fruit used in jams, jellies, and desserts.
Benefits & Perks
["edible fruits","fragrant flowers","aesthetic foliage","cold hardy"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Genus: | Cydonia |
| Botanical Name: | Cydonia oblonga |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Fruits
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden in a sunny, sheltered spot
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–25 to 35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if grown in very dry indoor conditions
- Drainage: Fast-draining; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Well-draining loam with organic matter; tolerates poor soils but thrives with amendments.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to 20% of growth annually.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day); adjust for intense summer sun with partial afternoon shade.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate new plants gradually to direct sun; protect from harsh midday sun to prevent scorching; provide dappled shade in extreme heat.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun
Rotate plant for even growth; use shade cloth in intense sun; avoid sudden light changes.
Watering
every 7–14 days, depending on soil moisture and climate
Water thoroughly until runoff, allow soil to dry between waterings, avoid overhead watering.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with moderate fertility
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Mulch to retain moisture; avoid compacting soil; test pH annually.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 5–9; prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C); tolerates winter lows to -20°F (-29°C) in dormant state.
Protect from late frosts; ensure good air circulation; avoid placing near heat sources.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring and summer)
Fertilize before new growth emerges; water before and after application; avoid contact with roots.
Propagation
Methods
Hardwood cuttings taken in late winter or early spring.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Select healthy stem, cut below node, apply hormone, plant in medium, maintain humidity, wait for roots.
Best Time: Late winter to early spring before bud break.
Environment
High humidity (70–80%), bottom heat (70°F/21°C), indirect light.
Medium
Coarse sand or perlite mix with some peat moss.
Hormone
Rooting hormone recommended for better success.
Timeline
Roots in 8–12 weeks; may take a full season to establish.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, rooting medium, plastic bag or propagator.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep consistently moist but not waterlogged; avoid direct sun.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Thinning cuts to open canopy; heading cuts to shape; avoid excessive topping.
Pruning Plan
Shape tree, remove dead/diseased wood, encourage airflow, manage size.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, saw, sterilizing solution.
Checklist
Sterilize tools, prune during dormancy, remove crossing branches, clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Late winter or early spring before active growth.
Pot Size
If transplanting, move to a hole twice the root ball size.
Method
Minimize root disturbance; use well-draining soil; water thoroughly after transplanting.
Suggestions
Not typically repotted; field-grown trees are transplanted infrequently.
Checklist
Prepare new site, prune roots if needed, backfill with amended soil, water deeply.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, avoid wetting foliage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the day to minimize evaporation and fungal growth.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf drop, wilting, stunted growth, or browning edges in extreme heat or cold.
Cold Stress
Leaves may curl or drop; growth halts; can suffer dieback if not properly hardened off.
Solution: Mulch heavily in fall; protect roots with burlap wrapping; avoid late-season pruning.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, reduced fruit set, or premature fruit drop.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering; use reflective mulch to reduce soil temperature.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check soil pH, use correct dilution, apply at base, water thoroughly after.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid high-nitrogen formulas; reduce or stop in late summer.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicQuince is not considered toxic to cats. The fruit can be consumed in small amounts without causing toxicity, though it is not a necessary part of their diet.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicQuince is not considered toxic to dogs. The fruit can be consumed in moderation without adverse effects, though it should be offered in small quantities to avoid digestive upset.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Humans
Non-toxicCydonia oblonga, commonly known as quince, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. The fruit is edible and often used in culinary applications, though it is typically cooked to improve its texture and flavor.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is quince fruit edible?
A: Yes, quince fruit is edible but is typically cooked due to its tartness and hardness when raw.
Q: Does quince require full sun?
A: Yes, quince trees thrive in full sun for optimal fruit production.
Q: How do I prune a quince tree?
A: Prune quince trees in late winter or early spring to remove dead or overcrowded branches and encourage fruiting.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun |
| Water: | every 7–14 days, depending o |
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