How to grow Quince in the UK
Cydonia oblonga
Quince (Cydonia oblonga) is a fruit that grows well in UK gardens. Beautiful spring blossom; fruit needs cooking. Vranja is the popular UK variety. This guide covers when and how to sow Quince, the soil and position it likes, watering and feeding, companion planting, and when to harvest.
Type
Fruit
Difficulty
Moderate
Position
full sun (6+ hrs direct)
Sow
spring
Harvest
October, November
When to sow & grow Quince
Sowing and harvest window through the year (UK):
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct Harvest | Nov Plant · Harvest | Dec |
Soil, position & care
- Soil
- Deep, fertile, well-drained soil
- Soil pH
- 6.0–7.0
- Position
- Sun and shelter for good pollination
- Sowing depth
- Plant to the original soil mark; stake bare-root trees
- Spacing
- 3.5–4.5 m
- Sowing
- Plant bare-root Nov–Mar; self-fertile small tree
- Growing
- Water well for the first 3 years; mulch and feed in spring
- Harvest & upkeep
- Minimal pruning — just shape in winter; pick aromatic fruit before hard frost
- Watch for
- Quince leaf blight, brown rot
Companion planting for Quince
No specific companion notes for this plant.
Grow Quince this year
Add Quince to your free 12-month plan and get watering & sowing reminders — no sign-up needed.
Quince FAQs
How much sun does Quince need?
Quince prefers full sun (6+ hrs direct).
When is Quince ready to harvest?
Quince is typically ready to harvest in October, November in the UK.
Is Quince easy to grow?
Moderate. Beautiful spring blossom; fruit needs cooking. Vranja is the popular UK variety.