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When to Plant Quince in Newton County, GA

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.

Newton County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 23 and the first fall frost is November 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 232 days.

At an elevation of 218 feet, Newton County receives approximately 52 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 92Β°F, providing good warmth for Quince during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Quince, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Quince root diseases.

Newton County, GA (Zone 7b) Long season
232 days
Last Spring Frost March 23
232 growing days
First Fall Frost November 10

Newton County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.4-6.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Apr 5
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Apr 13
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 1

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.

Soil Compatibility in Newton County

How your county's soil matches Quince's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (5.4–6.2) is more acidic than Quince prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.

Soil Texture

The clay loam soil in Newton County is excellent for Quince β€” good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is moderate (2.8%). Annual compost additions will help Quince.

How to Plant Quince

120"
Between Plants
144"
Between Rows

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.9″/week
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 121 gal / 100 sq ft

Monthly Watering Guide for Quince

Quince needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Quince Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan β€” 4.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb β€” 4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 4.4" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" πŸ’§ Light watering
May 4.3" 4.6" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 4.4" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 5.7" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.7" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 4.5" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 3" 1.3" πŸ’§ Light watering
Nov 4.3" 4.3" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Dec β€” 4.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Newton County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall β€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Quince Heat Requirements (GDD)

What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?

Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" β€” every day above 50Β°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.

Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.

Quince needs ~27,740 GDD — county provides 4,408 GDD May not mature

Quince Planting Timeline β€” Newton County, GA

Quince Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 13 Apr 13 – Apr 27

Β· 120" apart Β· Rows 144" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January β€”
February β€”
March β€”
April Transplant Outdoors
May β€”
June β€”
July β€”
August β€”
September β€”
October β€”
November β€”
December β€”

Growing Conditions

β˜€οΈ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

πŸ’§ Water

1"/week Β· Only during dry spells

πŸ“… Days to Maturity

1095–1825 days

πŸ§ͺ Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 Β· Your soil: too_acidic

πŸ—ΊοΈ USDA Zone

Zone 7b

πŸ“† Growing Season

232 days in Newton County

Growing Tips for Quince in Newton County

Direct sow Quince outdoors after March 23 in Newton County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

With Newton County's clay soil (29% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Quince. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.

Your 232.0-day growing season in Newton County is tight for Quince (1095.0-1825.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.

General 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.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Quince in Newton County, GA?

Newton County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 23. Plan your Quince planting based on this frost date β€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Newton County, GA?

Newton County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 23 and first fall frost is November 10.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner β€” designed to help Newton County gardeners in Zone 7b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Newton County, GA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.