Chinese quince differs from ordinary and Japanese quince. It can be grown in the middle lane, but more like an ornamental plant. Its fruits are sour and suitable only for processing.
This quince belongs to the genus Pseudosedonia and is represented in it by one species. This is a tall tree 3-6 m, with a curved trunk. The bark of the quince is unusual. The top is brown or brown, and the flaking areas show gray and green patches on the trunk. Because of this, the tree looks variegated.
The fruits of the Chinese quince are hidden behind the lush crown of the tree
The color of the leaves is green, they are shiny on the surface and have an edge on the back. Quince flowers are single, about 4 cm in size, pink in color. They bloom unevenly in April-May.
Quince fruits are large, up to 17 cm, maximum weight – 1,5 kg. They are covered with yellow-green skin and have special properties:
- Because of the essential oils, the Chinese fruit smells brighter than its distant cousin, the Japanese quince.
- Quince pulp is sour, it contains a lot of vitamin C.
- The fruit is juicy, which allows you to get almost a glass of fresh juice from 1 fruit.
- These fruits can be stored for up to 3 months in the refrigerator.
You should not use these fruits fresh: they are too sour. They can be used to make jams or add when stewing meat.
The best climate for this tree is with hot, long summers. Quince is resistant to frost, but does not winter long – 2 months. With warming, kidneys may appear, which will die during frost.
Planting is best done in a lighted area on the south side. The place should be closed from the wind. Soils are slightly acidic and neutral with good drainage. The easiest way to plant is by seed. Fresh seeds should be planted in the fall:
- Plant the seeds in a greenhouse.
- Cut the seedlings and leave them in the greenhouse. She will live there for the first year.
- In the second year, when there will be no frosts, plant the quince in a permanent place in open ground at a distance of 1 m from each other.
When planting seeds in spring, preliminary stratification is needed – artificial wintering for 3 months.
Quince is unpretentious. After planting, she needs top dressing – 2 times per season and watering as needed. Only old branches are pruned, since fresh ones produce a crop in the same year. Particular attention should be paid to protecting the tree in winter. In cold weather, quince must be protected with covering material or home remedies.
This type of quince is not quite suitable for growing in temperate climates, its hybrids will feel better. Quince fruits are sour, but fragrant. They can be used in processed form.