When to Plant Quince in Utah County, UT
What to do in May
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this May, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
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Move quince from tray to bed
Your last frost (May 5) has passed. These warm-season crops can handle outdoor soil now.
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.
Utah County, Utah is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is May 5 and the first fall frost is October 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 159 days.
At an elevation of 5,535 feet, Utah County receives approximately 22.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Quince during the growing season.
Utah County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.5-8.3
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 Utah County
How your county's soil matches Quince's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.5–8.3) overlaps with Quince's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Utah County is excellent for Quince — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.3%). Annual compost additions will help Quince.
How to Plant Quince
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — 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 | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 2.5" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.4" | 2.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 1.8" | 2.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 2.4" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.1" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 1.7" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Utah 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 — Utah County, UT
Quince Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 26 | May 26 – Jun 9 |
· 120" apart · Rows 144" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
159 days in Utah County
Growing Tips for Quince in Utah County
Direct sow Quince outdoors after May 05 in Utah County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 159.0-day growing season in Utah County is tight for Quince (1095.0-1825.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
Utah County receives only 22" of rain annually. Quince needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
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 Utah County, UT?
Utah County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of May 5. Plan your Quince planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Utah County, UT?
Utah County, Utah is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is May 5 and first fall frost is October 11.
Your Utah County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Utah County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.