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Quince Planting Guide

Quince is a small ornamental tree producing fragrant, golden fruits that are too hard and astringent to eat raw but transform into a beautiful rose-colored paste when cooked.

Cydonia oblonga ยท Fruit ยท Rosaceae family ยท 1095โ€“1825 days to maturity

Where Can You Grow Quince?

Quince Growing Regions

Click any state to see the Quince planting schedule for that location.

Planting Dates by Zone

Zone Start Indoors Direct Sow Transplant Harvest
Zone 5a โ€” โ€” May 16 โ€”
Zone 5b โ€” โ€” May 9 โ€”
Zone 6a โ€” โ€” May 1 โ€”
Zone 6b โ€” โ€” Apr 24 โ€”
Zone 7a โ€” โ€” Apr 15 โ€”
Zone 7b โ€” โ€” Apr 8 โ€”
Zone 8a โ€” โ€” Mar 29 โ€”
Zone 8b โ€” โ€” Mar 18 โ€”
Zone 9a โ€” โ€” Feb 24 โ€”
Zone 9b โ€” โ€” Feb 8 โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7.5

Hardiness Zones

Zone 5a โ€“ 9b

Growing Tips

Plant in well-drained soil in a warm, sheltered location. Quince is self-fertile. Harvest after frost when fruit is golden and fragrant. Fire blight can be an issue; choose resistant varieties.

Saving Quince Seeds

Recommended for Your Garden

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Pruning Shears $12-30

Sharp bypass pruners for clean cuts on fruit trees, berry bushes, and woody herbs.

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Seed Starting Trays $8-20

Start seeds indoors with reusable cell trays and humidity domes.

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Soil Test Kit $12-25

Test your soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels before planting.

Level Up Your Garden

Quince by State

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to grow Quince?

Quince (Cydonia oblonga) takes 1095 to 1825 days from planting to harvest. Exact timing depends on your variety, growing conditions, and USDA zone.

What zones can Quince grow in?

Quince can be grown in USDA zones 5a through 9b. Use the planting calendar above to find the exact dates for your zone.

How much sun does Quince need?

Growing Quince requires Full Sun (6-8+ hours), Moderate โ€” regular watering, and soil pH of 6 to 7.5.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals, University Cooperative Extension planting guides. Last updated: April 2026.