How to Grow Quince Bush - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Quince bush is a plant that belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is a deciduous shrub that has a rounded shape. The plant is covered with small, white flowers that have five petals each. The flowers are followed by the development of oval-shaped fruits. The fruits are green when they are unripe and turn yellow or pink when they ripe.

How to Grow Quince Bush - Plant Care & Tips

Also called

  • Cydonia oblonga
  • Cydonia vulgaris
  • Chaenomeles speciosa
  • Chaenomeles japonica
  • Cydonia sinensis

Basic info

  • The quince bush is a low-growing shrub that is typically found in temperate climates.
  • Quince bushes can grow to be quite large, reaching up to 10 feet in height and width.
  • Quince bushes are known for their fragrant flowers, which can be white, pink, or red in color.
  • The fruit of the quince bush is known as a quince, and it is typically used for making jams, jellies, and pies.
  • Quince bushes are deciduous, meaning they will lose their leaves in the fall.
  • Quince bushes are relatively easy to care for, and they do not require a lot of maintenance.
  • Quince bushes are susceptible to a variety of diseases and pests, so it is important to keep an eye out for problems.
  • Quince bushes can be propagated from seed, cuttings, or divisions.
  • Quince bushes are often used as ornamental plants in gardens and landscapes.
  • Quince bushes can live for many years, with some specimens known to be over 100 years old.

Related plant:
Quince Shrub

Planting Process

  1. For quince bush, first step is to sow the seeds in early spring.
  2. When the seedlings come up, thin them out so that only the strongest seedling remains in each pot.
  3. Keep the seedlings in a sunny spot and water them regularly.
  4. When the seedlings are big enough, transplant them into individual pots.
  5. Once they are transplanted, water them well and fertilize them monthly.
  6. In late spring or early summer, pinch back the tips of the quince bush to encourage bushier growth.
  7. When the quince bush is about a foot tall, begin to prune it so that it has a nice, even shape.
  8. Keep watering and fertilizing the quince bush throughout the growing season.
  9. In autumn, after the quince bush has finished blooming, cut it back by about half to encourage new growth.
  10. Quince bush is a long-lived plant, so with proper care it should thrive for many years.

Related plant:
Flowering Quince

Soil Condition

About soil condition, quince bushes need well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. They prefer full sun but will tolerate partial shade. Quince bushes are tolerant of a wide range of soil types but prefer a loamy soil. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged.

Light requirement

Not too different with other members of the rose family, quince bushes need lots of sun to produce fruits. A quince bush grown in too much shade will likely produce fewer fruits that are smaller in size. When choosing a spot to plant your quince bush, make sure it’s in an area that gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition that is ideal for a quince bush is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Anything below 60 degrees Fahrenheit can damage the plant, and anything above 70 degrees Fahrenheit can cause the fruit to spoil.

Humidity Aspect

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 40%. If the humidity drops below 30%, the plant will become stressed and may start to drop leaves. If the humidity rises above 50%, the plant may become susceptible to fungal diseases.

Fertilizer Requirement

Discussing fertilizer, this type of plant food is important to maintain a healthy quince bush. The best time to fertilize is in early spring, before new growth begins. A well-balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, is best. Apply the fertilizer around the base of the bush, taking care not to get any on the foliage. Water the fertilizer in well.

Plant Pruning

Pruning is an important part of caring for a quince bush. It helps to control the size and shape of the bush, and can also help to encourage new growth. When pruning, it is important to remove any dead or diseased branches, as well as any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other. After pruning, the bush should be given a light fertilizer to help it recover and encourage new growth.

Plant Propagation

Propagation is typically done by taking cuttings from an existing quince bush. The cuttings should be taken from new growth that is about 8 inches long. Cut the stem at a 45-degree angle just below a leaf node. Dip the cutting in rooting hormone and plant in a pot filled with moistened potting mix. Place the pot in a warm location out of direct sunlight and keep the soil moist. Roots should form within 4-6 weeks. Once the roots are established, transplant the cutting to a permanent location in the garden.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate is about 13 to 24 inches per year. However, older quince bushes may only grow at about 6 to 12 inches per year. The best time to prune your quince bush is in late winter before new growth begins.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew, which can cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off. The other problem is fire blight, which can kill the branches and leaves.

Tips on Growing

  • Make sure to plant your quince bush in an area that receives full sun.
  • Quince bushes need well-drained soil in order to thrive.
  • When watering your quince bush, be sure to avoid getting the leaves wet as this can promote fungal growth.
  • Fertilize your quince bush twice a year with a balanced fertilizer.
  • Prune your quince bush in late winter or early spring to shape it and promote new growth.
  • Quince bushes are susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, so be sure to check your plant regularly for signs of trouble.
  • If you live in an area with cold winters, you may need to provide some protection for your quince bush.
  • Quince fruits are best harvested when they are fully ripe. Cut them from the bush with a sharp knife.
  • Quince fruits can be used in a variety of recipes

Similar Plants

  • Quince bush (Cydonia oblonga), a tree or shrub in the rose family (Rosaceae)
  • QuinceFruit (Cydonia oblonga), the fruit of the quince bush
  • quince (Chaenomeles speciosa), or Japanese quince, a plant in the rose family (Rosaceae)
  • quince (Chaenomeles japonica), or Japanese quince, a plant in the rose family (Rosaceae)
  • QuinceTree (Cydonia oblonga), the tree or shrub from which the quince fruit comes
  • QuinceJam (Cydonia oblonga), a spread made from quince fruit
  • QuinceJelly (Cydonia oblonga), a spread made from quince fruit
  • QuinceMarmalade (Cydonia oblonga

Source:
Managing Pests in Gardens: Trees and Shrubs: Quince—UC IPM - ucanr.edu
Common Quince, Cydonia versus Flowering Quince, Chaenomeles
Chaenomeles japonica (Flowering quince, Japanese Flowering Quince ...

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
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Shrubs Category