Quince Planting Guide
quince this April — what to know
quince rewards gardeners who pay attention to a few basics. Here's what matters in April, wherever you're growing.
-
How to water quince
Consistent moisture matters more than volume for quince. Little and often beats occasional drenching.
-
Where to put quince
South-facing beds are ideal for quince. Shade from nearby trees or fences costs real production.
-
Check your local forecast before planting
Your zone determines the exact week to plant quince. Pick your county below and we'll line everything up against your frost dates.
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 · Fruit · Rosaceae family · 1095–1825 days to maturity
Get Your Personalized Quince Planting Dates
Enter your ZIP code to see exact planting dates, soil compatibility, and growing tips specific to your county.
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 | — | — | May 16 | — |
| Zone 5b | — | — | May 9 | — |
| Zone 6a | — | — | May 1 | — |
| Zone 6b | — | — | Apr 24 | — |
| Zone 7a | — | — | Apr 15 | — |
| Zone 7b | — | — | Apr 8 | — |
| Zone 8a | — | — | Mar 29 | — |
| Zone 8b | — | — | Mar 18 | — |
| Zone 9a | — | — | Feb 24 | — |
| Zone 9b | — | — | Feb 8 | — |
Why are some columns showing "—"?
Start Indoors shows "—" because Quince is typically direct sown outdoors rather than started indoors. It germinates quickly and doesn't transplant well.
Direct Sow shows "—" because Quince benefits from being started indoors first, then transplanted after the last frost.
How to Plant Quince
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Consistent moisture produces the best results.
🧪 Soil pH
6 – 7.5
Prefers neutral to slightly acidic soil — ideal for most garden beds.
🗺️ Hardiness Zones
Zone 5a – 9b
📅 Days to Maturity
1095–1825 days
Long-season crop. Start indoors in cold climates to get a head start.
👪 Plant Family
Rosaceae
Rotate with other families yearly to prevent soil-borne diseases. Don't plant in the same spot where Rosaceae family crops grew last year.
How Much Quince to Grow
Quince takes 1095–1825 days to mature. In most zones you'll get one harvest per season, so plant enough to last.
Companion Planting for Quince
✅ Good Companions
Check more combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Growing Tips for Quince
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
Sharp bypass pruners for clean cuts on fruit trees, berry bushes, and woody herbs.
Start seeds indoors with reusable cell trays and humidity domes.
Test your soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels before planting.
Seed Saving & Storage Guide
Most saved seeds go bad before next season. This shows exactly when to pick, how to dry, and where to store seeds from 200 plants so yours don't.
- 200 plants, step-by-step: life cycle, pollination type, isolation
- Exact temperature + humidity ranges that keep seeds viable
- Bonus: searchable Google Sheets tracker + custom GPT assistant
Quince by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
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 — regular watering, and soil pH of 6 to 7.5.