How to Grow Quince in New Zealand
Hardy and long-lived with lovely autumn colour, wanting some winter chill so best in cooler southern and inland districts. Plant bare-root in winter while dormant. The fruit is hard and astringent raw but transforms when cooked.
When to plant quince in New Zealand
Timing is everything in New Zealand, where the warm north and the cooler south are weeks apart. Sow or plant in these months for your region:
| Region | When to sow or plant |
|---|---|
| Northland | June, July, August |
| Auckland | June, July, August |
| Waikato & BoP | June, July, August |
| Wellington | June, July, August |
| Nelson & Marlborough | June, July, August |
| Canterbury | June, July, August |
| Otago & Southland | June, July, August |
| Central Otago | June, July, August |
Best quince varieties for NZ
- Smyrna — Large fragrant golden fruit, the classic cooking quince. (Waimea Nurseries, garden centres)
- Champion — Heavy-cropping productive variety with good flavour for paste and jelly. (garden centres)
How to grow quince
- Space plants about 400cm apart.
- Sow seed around 20cm deep.
- Position: full sun.
- Ready to harvest in roughly 1460 days.
- Seeds germinate in about 21 days.
Companion planting
Grow quince near: Fruit trees.
Pests and problems
Watch for: Codling moth, Birds, Brown rot. See our NZ pest and disease guide for organic control.
For a calendar tuned to your exact region, see the New Zealand planting guides or the Quince plant page.
FAQ
When is the best time to plant quince in New Zealand?
In the warm north (Auckland, Northland) sow in June, July, August. Cooler regions plant a little later. Check the table above for your region.
Where can I buy quince seeds or plants in NZ?
Try Waimea Nurseries, garden centres.