When to Plant Quince in Napa County, CA
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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.
Napa County, California is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 26 and the first fall frost is November 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 273 days.
At an elevation of 449 feet, Napa County receives approximately 35 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Quince during the growing season.
Napa County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-7.5
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.
Soil Compatibility in Napa County
How your county's soil matches Quince's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.7–7.5) is within Quince's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Napa County is excellent for Quince — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Quince.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.0%). Annual compost additions will help Quince.
How to Plant Quince
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 7.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 4.3" | 7.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Mar | 4.3" | 5.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.3" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 0.8" | 3.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 0.2" | 4.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 0" | 4.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 0" | 4.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 0.3" | 4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 1.3" | 3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 5.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Nov in Napa County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — 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" — every day above 50°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 Planting Timeline — Napa County, CA
Quince Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | March 12 | Mar 12 – Mar 26 |
· 120" apart · Rows 144" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
1095–1825 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9b
📆 Growing Season
273 days in Napa County
Growing Tips for Quince in Napa County
Direct sow Quince outdoors after February 26 in Napa County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 274.0-day growing season in Napa 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 →
Quince in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Quince in Napa County, CA?
Napa County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of February 26. Plan your Quince planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Napa County, CA?
Napa County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 26 and first fall frost is November 26.
Your Napa County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Napa County (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.