When to plant Quince in Earleton, FL
In Earleton, Quince is a single-season spring crop — there's no second fall window. Plant March 9–March 23 for an 1095–1825-day harvest, finishing well before the November 27 first frost.
When to Plant Quince in Earleton, FL
This month in Alachua County, Florida
A quick August briefing for Alachua County, Florida gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
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.
Earleton, Florida is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 23 and the first fall frost is November 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 277 days.
At an elevation of 398 feet, Alachua County receives approximately 50 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 99°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.
Earleton Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
5.2-6.1
Drainage
Well Drained
Quince 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 Earleton
How your county's soil matches Quince's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.2–6.1) is more acidic than Quince prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Alachua County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Quince will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Quince.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.6%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Quince.
How to Plant Quince
Quince 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 | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 4.3" | 2.7" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 4.3" | 2.7" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.5" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 7.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 7.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 6.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 6.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 4.3" | 1.9" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Nov in Alachua 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 — Earleton, FL
Quince Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | March 9 | Mar 9 – Mar 23 |
· 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 · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
1095–1825 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
277 days in Alachua County
Growing Tips for Quince in Earleton
Direct sow Quince outdoors after February 23 in Alachua County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Alachua County dries quickly — mulch Quince with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
With summer highs reaching 99°F in Alachua County, provide afternoon shade for Quince and water deeply in the morning.
Your 278.0-day growing season in Alachua 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
When should I plant Quince in Earleton, FL?
In Earleton, FL, plant Quince after the last frost (around February 23) and before the first frost (around November 27). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Earleton, FL for Quince?
Earleton sits in USDA Zone 9a. Quince grows reliably in zones 5a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Quince grow in Earleton's climate?
Yes — Quince grows well in Earleton's temperate climate. Earleton averages a 278-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 23 and first frost around November 27.
Your Alachua County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Alachua 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.