Quince (Cydonia oblonga) is a deciduous tree native to the rocky slopes and woodland margins of Western Asia and the Caucasus. In regenerative agriculture, quince is valued for its resilience and ability to thrive in diverse soil types, making it an excellent choice for food forests. It serves as a mid-canopy layer, providing shade and wind protection for understory plants. Quince is known for its fragrant flowers that attract pollinators, enhancing biodiversity. Historically, quince has been used in traditional medicine and culinary practices across various cultures. In agroecology, it can be paired with nitrogen-fixing plants like clover and comfrey to improve soil fertility and with aromatic herbs like lavender to deter pests.
Growing Details
Quince thrives in well-drained loamy soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Prior to planting, enrich the soil with organic compost to improve fertility. Mulch with straw or wood chips to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants like comfrey can enhance soil health, while lavender and marigold can help repel pests. Avoid overwatering as quince is susceptible to root rot. Harvest fruit in late autumn when they are fully ripe and store in a cool, dry place to extend shelf life.
The map shows known occurrence points of <strong>Cydonia oblonga</strong> recorded in scientific biodiversity databases.
Source: <a href="https://www.gbif.org" target="_blank">GBIF.org</a> โ Global Biodiversity Information Facility
Location & Timing
native geo location: Native to Western Asia and the Caucasus
applicable geo region: Temperate regions
language used: en
Flowering:
middle
of April for 30 days
Harvest:
beginning
of October for 30 days
Seed Start:
?
Indoor Start:
Transplant:
Uses & Benefits
Edible Rating:
(4/5)
edible uses: Quince fruit is primarily used to make jellies, jams, and marmalades due to its high pectin content. It can also be poached or baked and used in desserts or savory dishes. The fruit is typically harvested in late autumn when it turns a bright golden color.
Medicinal Rating:
(3/5)
medicinal uses: Quince has been traditionally used in herbal medicine to treat digestive disorders, sore throats, and inflammation. The seeds contain mucilage, which is soothing for the throat and digestive tract. However, the seeds should not be consumed in large quantities due to the presence of cyanogenic compounds.
health concerns: Quince seeds contain cyanogenic compounds and should be consumed in moderation.
other uses: The wood of the quince tree is dense and can be used for making small items like handles and carving. The tree is also used as a rootstock for grafting pears, enhancing their resilience.
Scientific Literature
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Botanical data
specie: Cydonia oblonga
common names: Quince; Quince Apple; Cydonia
family: Rosaceae
sub family:
tribe:
sub tribe:
genus: Cydonia
Growing Conditions
area needed: 4.0 m
spacing: 4.0 m
growing difficulty: Medium
Deciduous / Evergreen: Evergreen
Seed Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 20ยฐC / 15ยฐC / 25ยฐC
Plant Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 18ยฐC / -15ยฐC / 30ยฐC
water demands: Medium
humidity:
light demands: High
root type: Medium
frost tender: Low
hardness:โโโโโโโโโโ(5/10)
first harvest: 4 years
life span: 50 years
succession: Mid
growth rate: Medium
max height: 5.0 m
max width: 4.0 m
soil preference:
Medium (Loam)
pH preference:
Neutral
flower type:
Hermaphrodite
growth details: Quince thrives in well-drained loamy soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Prior to planting, enrich the soil with organic compost to improve fertility. Mulch with straw or wood chips to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants like comfrey can enhance soil health, while lavender and marigold can help repel pests. Avoid overwatering as quince is susceptible to root rot. Harvest fruit in late autumn when they are fully ripe and store in a cool, dry place to extend shelf life.
Potential Disturbances: Quince trees can be affected by aphids, scale insects, and codling moths. Introduce beneficial insects like lacewings and ladybugs to control aphid populations. Use neem oil or garlic spray for scale insects. Planting garlic or chives nearby can deter codling moths. Regularly inspect for signs of fire blight and prune affected branches immediately to prevent spread.
Growth Timeline
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