Quince Chinese |
Psuedodonia sinensis |
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Native to China and has an extensive history in Middle East. The quince may have been the 'Fruit of Temptation' in the story of the Garden of Eden. In ancient Greece this fruit was presented to the bride on her wedding day as a symbol of fertility. Belongs to the family of Rosaceae which includes apples and pears.
Landscape Value
An attractive multi stemmed small tree through all the seasons. In spring with it's single pink flowers, into autumn with its large oval yellow fruit and the red/orange autumn colouring of the autumn leaves - stunning. Mature trees exoliate their bark to reveal brown, green, orange and grey patches. Often the trunk becomes fluted with age adding more texture and appeal.
Nutritional Value
Rich in vitamin C, zinc, potassium, copper and iron. Also high in dietary fibre. Quinces are high in antioxidants which attack the free radicals in ones body.
How to Eat
Quinces are not eaten raw. They are cooked to remove the high acidity and made into quince paste, jelly, poached, tea, wine and preserved. It cooks into pink/red colour - stunning. Quince paste delicous with your favourite cheese or enjoy the rich aroma and caramel colour of poached quince with vanilla ice cream.
Generic Fruiting Time
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
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Growing
Sun
Full sun but can take slight shade.
Wind
Stake while young for support.
Salt
unknown
Climate
cold hardy but also thrives in heat and humidity.
Soil
Chinese quince will tolerate poor soils but prefers fertile, well drained loams.
Planting
Plant with support of a stake while the plant gets established.
Fertiliser
If soils are poor, mulch with lots of organic matter and fertilise early spring with a general Fruit tree fertiliser.
Pruning
Prune to shape and remove cross over branches otherwise not needed.
Pests
No known pest & diseases to attack Chinese Quince.
Hardiness
Cold and heat hardy.
Special Conditions