Caring for Quince

Water quince regularly during its first two growing seasons to help roots establish, especially in dry spells. Once settled, mature trees have moderate water needs but benefit from deep watering during prolonged summer drought and while fruit is swelling in late summer and early autumn. Avoid overhead watering, which can encourage fungal leaf spot. A soaker hose or drip irrigation at the base is ideal. Feed once a year in March with a balanced general-purpose fertiliser (such as blood, fish, and bone or pelleted poultry manure) scattered in a circle around the drip line of the canopy, then lightly forked or watered in. A mulch of well-rotted compost or manure applied at the same time will suppress weeds, conserve moisture, and provide a slow release of nutrients. Keep mulch a few centimetres clear of the trunk. Quince is hardy in zones 5–9 and requires no special winter protection in temperate Europe. However, late frosts can damage blossom in spring, so avoid planting in frost pockets if possible. If frost is forecast during flowering, drape fleece over smaller trees overnight. The main pest to watch for is quince leaf blight (Diplocarpon mespili), a fungal disease causing dark spots on leaves and premature leaf drop. Rake up and destroy fallen leaves in autumn to reduce overwintering spores. Aphids may cluster on soft new growth in spring; a strong jet of water or an insecticidal soap usually controls them. Codling moth can occasionally affect fruit; pheromone traps hung in late spring help monitor and reduce populations. Harvest fruit in October or November when fully coloured but still firm, and store in a cool, airy place.