A Classic Fruiting Tree with Fragrant Golden Quince
Grow common quince (Cydonia oblonga) from seed for a compact deciduous tree with pink-white spring flowers and aromatic golden fruit. Quince fruit is naturally firm and tart and is traditionally cooked for preserves, jelly, poaching and baking.
What You Receive
One packet containing 20 common quince seeds (Cydonia oblonga). These are seeds for planting, not live plants.
Plant Details
-
Botanical name: Cydonia oblonga
-
Life cycle: Deciduous perennial fruit tree
-
Growing zones: Generally USDA 5–9; local performance varies
-
Light: Full sun
-
Mature size: Commonly about 12–15 feet tall and wide
-
Spacing: Allow about 10–15 feet between trees
-
Soil: Fertile, moist but well-drained soil
Cold Stratification & Sowing
- Mix the seeds with barely moist sterile seed-starting medium in a sealed bag or container.
- Refrigerate for 60–90 days at approximately 35–41°F. Check occasionally and keep the medium moist, never soggy.
- After chilling, sow in clean seed-starting mix and cover lightly, roughly twice the seed’s thickness.
- Keep evenly moist in bright light. Pot seedlings up after they develop several true leaves.
- Harden off gradually and plant outdoors after the danger of hard frost has passed.
Growing Notes
Plant in a sunny, sheltered position and water consistently while young. Avoid waterlogged soil and excessive nitrogen, which can encourage soft growth. Fire blight can affect quince in some regions, so keep tools clean and follow local extension guidance if symptoms appear.
Important Seed-Grown Note
These are species seeds, not a named cultivar. Seed-grown trees are genetically variable, so fruit size, shape, flavor, productivity and time to bearing can differ from the parent plant. Fruiting is not guaranteed and can take several years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can quince fruit be eaten raw?
Common quince is typically very firm and tart when raw. It is most often cooked for preserves, jelly, desserts and savory dishes.
Does common quince need cold stratification?
A 60–90 day cold-moist treatment helps break seed dormancy and improves the chance of more even emergence.
Will these seeds produce a named quince variety?
No. Seedlings are genetically variable and should be grown as common Cydonia oblonga, not as a named cultivar.
