When to Plant Quince in Yolo County, CA
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.
Yolo County, California is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 9 and the first fall frost is December 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 297 days.
At an elevation of 163 feet, Yolo County receives approximately 27.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 95°F, so Quince may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat.
Yolo County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-7.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Quince Planting Timeline — Yolo County, CA
Quince Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | February 23 | Feb 23 – Mar 9 |
· 120" apart · Rows 144" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Transplant Outdoors |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
1095–1825 days
Soil pH
6 – 7.5
USDA Zone
Zone 9a
Growing Season
297 days
Growing Tips for Yolo County
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.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Level Up Your Garden
Quince in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Quince in Yolo County, CA?
Yolo County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 9. Plan your Quince planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Yolo County, CA?
Yolo County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 9 and first fall frost is December 3.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Yolo County gardeners in Zone 9a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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