When to Plant Quince in Craig County, VA
May in the garden — Craig County, Virginia
Here's what deserves your attention in Craig County, Virginia this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 7a and timed around your local frost dates.
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Time to transplant quince
Plant tomatoes deep — bury the stem up to the first true leaves to grow extra roots. Everything else goes in at the same depth it grew in the tray.
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.
Craig County, Virginia is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 26 and the first fall frost is October 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 176 days.
At an elevation of 460 feet, Craig County receives approximately 43 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Quince during the growing season.
Craig County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.8
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 Craig County
How your county's soil matches Quince's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5–6.8) overlaps with Quince's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Craig County is excellent for Quince — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Quince.
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 | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.9" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.5" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Craig 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 — Craig County, VA
Quince Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 17 | May 17 – May 31 |
· 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 · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
1095–1825 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
176 days in Craig County
Growing Tips for Quince in Craig County
Direct sow Quince outdoors after April 26 in Craig County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 176.0-day growing season in Craig 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 Craig County, VA?
Craig County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 26. Plan your Quince planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Craig County, VA?
Craig County, Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 26 and first fall frost is October 19.
Your Craig County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Craig 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.