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When to plant Quince in Leon County, FL

In Leon County, Quince is a single-season spring crop — there's no second fall window. Plant March 25–April 8 for an 1095–1825-day harvest, finishing well before the November 21 first frost.

When to Plant Quince in Leon 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.

Leon County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 11 and the first fall frost is November 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 255 days.

At an elevation of 250 feet, Leon County receives approximately 53.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 95°F, so Quince may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. 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.

Leon County, FL (Zone 9a) Long season
255 days
Last Spring Frost March 11
255 growing days
First Fall Frost November 21

Leon County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sand

Soil pH

4.8-5.7

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 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 3.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 3" 1.3" 💧 Light watering
Apr 4.3" 2.4" 1.9" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 7.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 7.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 7.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 6.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 5.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Nov 4.3" 2.1" 2.2" 🚿 Regular watering
Dec 2.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Quince Planting Timeline — Leon County, FL

Quince Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors March 25 Mar 25 – Apr 8

· 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 9a

📆 Growing Season

255 days in Leon County

Growing Tips for Leon 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 Leon County, FL?

Leon County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 11. Plan your Quince planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Leon County, FL?

Leon County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 11 and first fall frost is November 21.

When should I plant Quince in Leon County, FL?

In Leon County, FL, plant Quince after the last frost (around March 11) and before the first frost (around November 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Leon County, FL for Quince?

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

Can Quince grow in Leon County's climate?

Yes — Quince grows well in Leon County's temperate climate. Leon County averages a 255-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 11 and first frost around November 21.

🌱

Your Leon County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Leon County (Zone 9a). 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 Leon County, FL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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