How to grow Quince in Australia
Plant in full sun in deep, moisture retentive soil, as it copes with heavier ground than most fruit trees. Water regularly through the growing season to size the fruit.
At a glance
- Difficulty: Beginner
- Sun: Full sun
- Water: 5 litres a week, watered every 4 days
- Spacing: 400 cm
- Time to harvest: 1825 days (about 5 years)
- Time to germinate: 21 days
- Soil pH: 6 to 7.5
- Frost tolerance: Frost hardy
When to sow by region
| Region | When to sow | Regional note |
|---|---|---|
| South East Queensland | June to August | |
| Northern Rivers NSW | June to August | |
| Sydney & Coastal NSW | June to August | Reliable. Plant bare-root winter. Sydney conditions suit quince well. |
| Melbourne & Victoria | June to August | Melbourne is quince country. Plant bare-root in winter. Produces for 50+ years. |
| Adelaide & SA | June to August | Mediterranean heritage. Reliable in Adelaide. Plant bare-root winter. |
| Perth & WA | June to August | Mediterranean heritage. Reliable in Perth hills. Bare-root winter. |
| Tasmania | June to August | Plant bare-root Jun to Aug. Superb in Tasmania. Heavy, reliable, fragrant crops. |
| Canberra & ACT | June to August | Reliable. Plant bare-root in Canberra winter. |
| North Queensland | Not suited | Not viable. Needs cold winters. |
| Darwin & Top End | Not suited | Not viable. Needs cold winters. |
Varieties
- Smyrna
- Champion
Companion planting
Good companions
- Fruit trees
Harvest and storage
Harvest tip
Ready when the skin shifts from green to deep yellow and gives off a strong perfume. Cut or twist gently from the branch; they keep well in storage for weeks.
Storage
Cool dark place for 2 to 3 months. Cooked paste stores for 12+ months.