When to Plant Quince in USDA Zone 6a
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.
In Zone 6a, the average last spring frost is around April 10 and the first fall frost is around October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 193 days.
Quince Planting Timeline — Zone 6a
Where Is USDA Zone 6a?
The map below highlights the states that contain Zone 6a. Click any state to see the Quince planting schedule for that location.
Quince Planting Calendar — Zone 6a
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 1 | May 1 – May 15 |
· 120" apart · Rows 144" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Free Zone 6a Planting Calendar PDF
Know exactly when to plant every crop in your zone. Get a printable month-by-month calendar customized for Zone 6a with start dates, transplant windows, and harvest times.
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
1095–1825 days
Soil pH
6 – 7.5
Zone Temperature Range
-10°F to -5°F average annual minimum
Growing Season
193 days (Zone 6a average)
Planting Specifications
| Plant Spacing | 120 inches apart |
| Row Spacing | 144 inches between rows |
Growing Tips for Zone 6a
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
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.
Related Plants
Quince in Other Zones
Quince by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Alberta
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- British Columbia
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Manitoba
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Brunswick
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Northwest Territories
- Nova Scotia
- Nunavut
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Ontario
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Prince Edward Island
- Quebec
- Rhode Island
- Saskatchewan
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
- Yukon
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Quince in Zone 6a?
In Zone 6a, plan your Quince planting around the average last frost date of April 10. Transplant seedlings around May 1.
Can Quince grow in Zone 6a?
Yes, Quince can grow well in Zone 6a, hardy in USDA zones 5a through 9b. Zone 6a has a growing season of approximately 193 days, which is sufficient for Quince (1095-1825 days to maturity).
What is the last frost date for Zone 6a?
The average last spring frost in Zone 6a is around April 10, and the first fall frost is around October 20. This gives a growing season of approximately 193 days. These are 50% probability dates — actual frost dates vary year to year.
What should I plant next to Quince?
Good companion plants for Quince include Comfrey, Garlic. These companions can help with pest control, pollination, and nutrient sharing.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — organize your planting dates for Zone 6a, track your crops, and plan your garden season from seed to harvest.
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