How to Grow Flowering Quince Fruit - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2025

Flowering quince fruit is a plant that produces a small, hard fruit that is often used in jams and jellies. The plant is native to Asia and has been cultivated for centuries. The fruit is high in pectin and has a strong, tart flavor.

How to Grow Flowering Quince Fruit - Plant Care & Tips

Alternative name

  • Flowering quince
  • Japanese quince
  • Chaenomeles
  • Quince
  • Cydonia oblonga

Basic info

  • Flowering quince fruit is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals.
  • Flowering quince fruit can be eaten fresh, cooked, or dried.
  • Flowering quince fruit has a high fiber content.
  • Flowering quince fruit can help to regulate blood sugar levels.
  • Flowering quince fruit can help to lower cholesterol levels.
  • Flowering quince fruit can aid in weight loss.
  • Flowering quince fruit can help to improve digestion.
  • Flowering quince fruit can help to boost the immune system.
  • Flowering quince fruit can help to reduce inflammation.
  • Flowering quince fruit can help to protect against various diseases.

Related plant:
Flowering Almond Bush

How to Grow

  1. For flowering quince fruit, first step is to find a good location. Look for an area that gets plenty of sunlight and has well-drained soil.
  2. Prepare the soil by tilling or spading to a depth of at least 12 inches.
  3. Apply a 2-inch layer of organic matter such as compost or manure.
  4. Dig a hole for each plant that is twice as wide and just as deep as the plant’s root ball.
  5. Set the plant in the hole and backfill with soil, tamping down lightly as you go.
  6. Water the plant thoroughly.
  7. Apply a 2-inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant.
  8. Fertilize the plant twice a year, in early spring and mid-summer, with a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-
  9. Prune the plant in late winter to shape it and encourage new growth.
  10. Harvest the fruit in fall when it is ripe.

Related plant:
Texas Scarlet Flowering Quince

Soil Requirement

About soil condition, Flowering quince fruit need well-drained, sandy loam soils with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. They grow best in full sun but can tolerate some shade. Quince trees are very drought tolerant once established.

Light requirement

Just like other fruit-bearing plants, the flowering quince needs sunlight to produce its fruits. This means that the more sunlight the plant gets, the more fruits it will produce. The best way to ensure that your plant gets enough sunlight is to plant it in an area that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight every day. If you live in an area with long summer days, you can even give your plant a little extra sunlight by planting it in a spot that gets a few hours of afternoon sun.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature condition that is necessary for flowering quince fruit to thrive is determined by the climate zone in which the plant is grown. In general, quince prefers warm summers with some humidity and cool winters. While the plant can tolerate cold winters, it may not produce fruit in these conditions. Quince also needs well-drained soil with a pH that is slightly acidic.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 50-60%. If the humidity gets too low, the leaves will start to curl and drop off. If the humidity gets too high, the leaves will start to turn yellow and drop off.

Fertilizing

Regarding fertilizer, usually the plant does not need a lot of it. In most cases, you can provide the plant with a balanced fertilizer that has an NPK ratio of 10-10-10. You can also use organic fertilizer like compost or manure. If you are using inorganic fertilizer, it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to apply it. As for the roots, it is important to keep them healthy. This can be done by regularly watering the plant and making sure that the soil is not too wet or too dry.

Plant Pruning

Pruning is an important step in maintaining the health of your flowering quince fruit plant. By pruning, you remove diseased or damaged branches and encourage new growth. When pruning your plant, be sure to use sharp, clean pruning shears. This will help prevent the spread of disease.

About Propagating

Propagation is normally done by hardwood cuttings taken from the plant in late fall or early winter. The cuttings should be about 6 inches long and taken from new growth that is just beginning to harden off. Place the cuttings in a bucket of water and allow them to callous over for a few days before potting them up in a well-drained potting mix. Keep the potting mix moist but not soggy and place the pot in a shady location. New growth should appear in a few weeks.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate is determined by the type of plant. Perennials typically flower quince fruit in late spring or early summer. Shrubs, on the other hand, bloom later in the season. The length of the flowering season is also determined by the type of plant. Perennials generally have a shorter flowering season than shrubs.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are poor fruit set, poor pollination, and fruit drop. Poor fruit set can be caused by several factors, including lack of pollinators, poor plant nutrition, and weather conditions. Poor pollination can be caused by several factors, including lack of pollinators, poor plant nutrition, and weather conditions. Fruit drop can be caused by several factors, including poor plant nutrition, weather conditions, and pests.

Tips on Growing

  • Make sure to plant your flowering quince in an area that receives full sun for best results.
  • Quince trees prefer well-drained soil, so be sure to plant in an area that does not retain water.
  • Add organic matter to the soil prior to planting to help improve drainage and aeration.
  • Water your quince tree regularly, especially during periods of extended dry weather.
  • Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the tree to help conserve moisture and deter weeds.
  • Prune your quince tree annually to encourage new growth and to maintain a desired shape.
  • Fertilize your quince tree yearly with a balanced fertilizer to promote blooming and fruiting.
  • Protect your quince tree from strong winds by staking it or planting it in a sheltered location.
  • Harvest quince fruit when it is fully ripe and use it fresh or cooked in pies

Similar Plants

  • Fruity punch
  • Pomegranate
  • Guava
  • Papaya
  • Mango
  • Banana
  • Persimmon
  • Kiwi
  • Apricot
  • peach

Source:
Quince, Flowering | East Asian Plants: A Cultural and …
Flowering quince - East Asian Plants: A Cultural and Horticultural …
Flowering Quince - Chaenomeles speciosa - PNW Plants

Richelle Author Photo
Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Shrubs Category