Quince is a distant cousin of the pear. We have identified one variety that can tolerate our harsh, dry summers. It is self-fertile and can produce flowers after our relatively mild winters. The quince tree is beautiful when in bloom with large blossoms. Unlike the pear and apple trees, the branches are well spread, requiring little training.
Our winter was characterized by cold nights and hot days, resulting in a few cold hours. This causes temperate plants to come out of dormancy gradually. The branches may not all flower at the same time. Self-fertile plants may not get cross-pollinated, which may cause fruit failure. On the other hand, self-fertile fruit trees may produce fewer fruits that do not require thinning, which saves time and labour.
The trees need at least once weekly deep watering, mulching and compost addition this season. Quince fruits are used for making preserves and desserts. They are rich in dietary fibre, vitamin C, zinc, iron, potassium, and copper.#LoveHomeGrown