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When to plant Quince in Bay County, FL

In Bay County, Quince is a single-season spring crop — there's no second fall window. Plant March 19–April 2 for an 1095–1825-day harvest, finishing well before the November 20 first frost.

When to Plant Quince in Bay County, FL

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.

Bay County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is March 5 and the first fall frost is November 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 260 days.

At an elevation of 388 feet, Bay County receives approximately 50.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Quince during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Quince will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Quince root diseases.

Bay County, FL (Zone 9b) Long season
260 days
Last Spring Frost March 5
260 growing days
First Fall Frost November 20

Bay County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sand

Soil pH

5.2-6

Drainage

Well Drained

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 2.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 2.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 2.6" 1.7" 💧 Light watering
Apr 4.3" 2.3" 2" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 6.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 7.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 6.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 6.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 4.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Nov 4.3" 2.2" 2.1" 💧 Light watering
Dec 2.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Quince Planting Timeline — Bay County, FL

Quince Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors March 19 Mar 19 – Apr 2

· 120" apart · Rows 144" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Transplant Outdoors
April Transplant Outdoors
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

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 9b

📆 Growing Season

260 days in Bay County

Growing Tips for Bay 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

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Quince in Bay County, FL?

Bay County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of March 5. Plan your Quince planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Bay County, FL?

Bay County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is March 5 and first fall frost is November 20.

When should I plant Quince in Bay County, FL?

In Bay County, FL, plant Quince after the last frost (around March 5) and before the first frost (around November 20). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Bay County, FL for Quince?

Bay County sits in USDA Zone 9b. Quince grows reliably in zones 5a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Quince grow in Bay County's climate?

Yes — Quince grows well in Bay County's temperate climate. Bay County averages a 260-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 5 and first frost around November 20.

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Your Bay County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Bay 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.

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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 Bay County, FL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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