When to Plant Quince in Shannon County, MO
Shannon County, Missouri gardeners: here's your May plan
May is a pivotal month for Shannon County, Missouri gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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Move quince into the garden
Water the tray well an hour before you transplant. Roots slide out cleanly and settle in faster.
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.
Shannon County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 12 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 191 days.
At an elevation of 1,311 feet, Shannon County receives approximately 35.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Quince during the growing season.
Shannon County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.8-7.1
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 Shannon County
How your county's soil matches Quince's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.8–7.1) overlaps with Quince's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Shannon County is excellent for Quince — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.0%). Annual compost additions will help Quince.
How to Plant Quince
Plant Water Budget
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 | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Shannon 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 — Shannon County, MO
Quince Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 3 | May 3 – May 17 |
· 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 | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
1095–1825 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
191 days in Shannon County
Growing Tips for Quince in Shannon County
Direct sow Quince outdoors after April 12 in Shannon County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 191.0-day growing season in Shannon 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 Shannon County, MO?
Shannon County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 12. Plan your Quince planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Shannon County, MO?
Shannon County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 12 and first fall frost is October 20.
Your Shannon County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Shannon County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.