Cydonia - Quince
(Cydo'nia)
DESCRIPTION: This group consists of one deciduous species that is grown for its delicious fruits. Commonly known as Quince, this tree is related to the handsome Flowering Quinces, Chaenomeles, which are mainly grown for their beautiful blossoms though the fruits are also edible. (Go See) C. oblonga (Common Quince) is a small tree originally found from Iran to Turkestan. This tree is just about as hardy as the Peach, surviving temperatures as low as 0º F. Its branches will most likely die back if exposed to temperatures below -15º F, though the root may survive. The Quince can grow up to 20 feet high with unusual, crooked branches. The leaves have a silvery sheen underneath, which shimmers in the breeze. The large pink or white flowers are very attractive. Its firm fruits grow up to 5 inches and are shaped like pears or apples. These fruits usually taste better cooked than raw, but some varieties, such as Champion, are sweet enough to eat fresh. Quinces can be cooked for jellies and preserves, or baked with lemon and brown sugar, like apples. The variety, Orange, bears fruits up to a pound in weight that are excellent baked, cooked into a clear jelly, and in other kinds of cooking.
POTTING: Quinces are usually sold as one- or two-year-old plants. Since they are self-pollinating, only one is needed to bear fruit. (Flowering Quinces, however, require two for pollination.) Choose a sunny location, which has good air circulation, for your tree. The roots of the Quince grow shallowly, therefore they need a heavy soil that will not dry out. To prevent this from happening, apply a thick layer of wood chips or some other mulch to the soil within 4 inches of the trunk. Avoid fertilizing your tree heavily, because too much nitrogen will cause suckering and increase susceptibility to fire blight. If your plant is forming a lot of suckers, remove them and discontinue fertilizing. Quinces are susceptible to many of the same pest and diseases as Apples and other fruit trees. Some problems may be Fireblight, Oriental Fruit Moth, and Borers. Heavy pruning isn't required, except to remove dead, sick, or damaged branches. Some people cut out the inside branches to provide an open tree, which makes harvesting fruit easier. The fruits are borne on new, short lateral branches; trimming back long shoots will encourage these fruiting spurs to grow. Quinces begin to bear a year or two after planting. The fruit ripens from about early September until well into October, depending on the variety. They are harvested when the skin turns from green to rich yellow. Light frost won't ruin the fruits, however rough handling will; carefully place them in the basket so they won't be bruised. If you aren't using them immediately, store them in the fruit bin of your refrigerator, where they will keep well for about a week.
PROPAGATION: Quinces can be increased by budding on the Angus Quince rootstock, or on Quince seedlings. Some varieties may be raised by hardwood cuttings. Layering can also be done.
VARIETIES: C. oblonga & var. Vranja, Champion, Dwarf Orange, Orange, Pineapple, Smyrna.
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