🍎 Quince
Cydonia oblonga
fruits deciduous tree
☀️ Sun
full sun
💧 Water
moderate; tolerates wetter conditions than most fruit trees
🗺️ Zones
5–9
🪴 Soil Type
well-drained loam; tolerates heavy clay
🧪 Soil pH
6.0–7.5
📏 Spacing
12-15 ft apart (small tree/shrub)
📅 Days to Maturity
3-5 years (from planting); bears fruit 2-4 years after establishment
🍴 Edible Parts
🍽️ ["Fruit"]
🤝 Companions (6)
Nutrient accumulation; pollinator attractor for spring bloom
🤝 Clover
Nitrogen source; groundcover
🤝 Garlic / Chives
Pest repellent; antifungal for quince leaf blight
Aphid trap; groundcover
🤝 Marigold
Nematode suppression
Beneficial insect habitat
⚠️ Keep Apart (3)
⚠️ Apple / Pear (nearby)
Quince, apple, and pear are all Rosaceae family and share fire blight susceptibility. This is shared disease risk, not biological antagonism. Quince is actually used as pear rootstock. Maintain good air circulation and monitor for fire blight when planting together.
⚠️ Walnut trees
Juglone sensitivity
⚠️ Cedar / Juniper
Cedar-quince rust host
💊 Medicinal Uses
Contains pectin (high levels for digestive health), phenolic compounds, and vitamin C. Traditional remedy for digestive disorders (antidiarrheal, antiemetic), sore throat, and respiratory inflammation. Seed mucilage used as demulcent for coughs and skin irritations. High pectin content makes it valuable for gut health. Known historically as a symbol of love and fertility in ancient Greece.