Clay / Heavy / Moist / Well Drained / Light / Sandy
Frequently spotted in Renaissance still life paintings, the quince looks like a cross between an apple and a pear, to which it's related.
The pome fruits are golden-green when ripe and have a fabled aroma that is sweet and citrusy. When raw, the fruits have an astringent flavour, but when cooked or bletted (allowed to over-ripen) the flavour becomes sweeter and deeper. Use them to make jellies, jams, pies, tarts and membrillo – a Spanish quince paste usually eaten with hard cheese.
For best results, grow quinces in full sun in moist, well-drained soil.
Plant calendar
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Plant
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
Flowers
yes
Fruits
yes
yes
yes
Take cuttings
yes
yes
yes
Prune
yes
yes
Harvest
yes
yes
Cydonia and wildlife
Cydonia is known for attracting bees and other pollinators. It has nectar/pollen rich flowers.
