Quince
One kilogramme of quince fruit contains up to 15 g of pectin—a natural gelling agent.
Quince is one of humanity's oldest fruit crops, cultivated for over three thousand years. Its cradle lies in the South Caucasus and Central Asia, but today this remarkable tree has taken root successfully across the globe, including Ukraine. Its unforgettable pale pink and white blossoms open in early spring, transforming the garden into a fairytale and filling the air with delicate fragrance.
Visually, quince is a compact tree with an attractive spreading crown that looks exceptionally ornamental during flowering. The fruits display a characteristic pear or apple-like shape, golden-yellow colour, and such a distinctive aroma that it perfumes rooms for weeks. Southern Mediterranean varieties produce larger and sweeter fruits, while locally adapted forms compensate with superior frost-hardiness and resilience.
In the garden, quince is a universal companion for apple trees, pears and apricots. It creates a natural windbreak protecting heat-loving plants grown nearby. The fruits cannot be eaten raw—they always require heat treatment—but this is precisely what makes them an indispensable treasure for preserves, marmalade and compotes. One kilogram of fruit contains up to 15 grams of natural pectin, making quince the undisputed queen of all jellied delicacies.
Most fascinatingly, quince symbolises happiness and fertility in cultures where it grows. Ancient Greeks called it the golden apple, whilst Jews regarded it as a symbol of righteousness. If you seek a plant combining ornamental beauty, practicality and profound cultural significance—quince awaits its rightful place in your garden.
Quince — planting & location
Fruit is not edible raw—suitable only for jam and marmalade
How to water Quince
Moderate watering
Fertilizing and pruning: Quince
Thin the canopy and remove diseased branches