Quince are one of the earliest plants to bloom, with the hot pink blooms often accented by a backdrop of snow. There are both flowering and fruiting quince, although they are not necessarily exclusive. There are many varieties of both types available but some are not commonly found.
Can you take cuttings from quince? Yes, this would be a great way to continue an heirloom plant or get plants from a friend or neighbor that has a variety you covet. A few tips on quince propagation should have you on your way to success. Read on to learn how to grow quince from cuttings.
Can You Take Cuttings from Quince?
The fruits are not as popular today as they were several centuries ago, but quince trees are still popular for their early season color show. Quince seedlings are fairly easy to make through cuttings. Rooting quince plants is not hard, but the method depends upon which variety of plant you have. The flowering variety seems to be easier than the fruiting variety.
Fruiting cuttings may sprout but there may not be fruit and it may not be true to parent. Hardwood is best for propagating quince cuttings. The cuttings need to be harvested before bloom time and when the plant is still dormant. That would be winter to very early spring. Use very sharp, clean implements to take your cuttings to prevent damage to the plant and introduction of disease. You will want to take this year's growth, so select a branch with hardened but younger wood.
Remove 6 to 12 inches (15-30 cm.). Be sure to include several growth nodes on the cutting. You may keep cuttings in water for a couple of weeks but best rooting will result from fresh cuttings.
Rooting Quince Plants from Flowering Variety
Flowering quince propagation is easier than the fruiting varieties. In many cases, all you need to do is stick the cut end into soil and keep it moderately moist and eventually it will root. If cuttings were taken in early winter, insert the cut end at a 45 degree angle into moist soil.
You may choose to dip the end into a rooting hormone prior, but it is not necessary. Keep containers in a cool area where no freezing will take place. Keep the soil lightly moist but never soggy. Plant cuttings outside in spring when soil warms up enough to work it.
Propagating Quince Cuttings from Fruiting Types
Fruiting quince can take several months to root. Take cuttings in winter to early spring that are the same length as the flowering varieties. Use rooting hormone prior to planting the cuttings in moistened, horticultural sand. Since the cuttings take months to root and need to be kept moist, this soilless medium helps prevent rot and encourage drainage.
Cuttings should be inserted 3 to 4 inches (8-10 cm.) into the sand. Keep the container indoors in bright light until spring. You may choose to cover the container with plastic to conserve heat and moisture, but be sure to remove the plastic once per day to air the container and prevent rot. Plant cuttings in a trench in spring 6 inches (15 cm.) apart. Cuttings should be rooted and well established in a year.
-
6 Flower Seeds I’m Gifting Everyone I Know This Christmas – To Inspire Their Garden In 2025Give the most meaningful gift of growing this holiday season. Senior Editor Melanie shares her flower seed picks to delight both new and experienced gardeners.
-
Bold & Beautiful Festive Bloomers: 6 Christmas Flowering Plants For A Big Holiday Buzz‘Tis the season for celebration and easy living, so make sure your plants are up to it. These dynamic Christmas flowering plants will help you see out the season in style
-
Quince Tree Illness: How To Treat Quince Tree DiseasesQuince trees are once again favorites in the orchard, but these tough, hardy plants aren't without any health worries. Learn about the most common pathogens that can affect them and how to treat your sick quince when they occur in this article.
-
Common Pests Of Quince Trees – Tips On Treating Quince Tree PestsQuince can make a great addition to any orchard or works as a standalone landscape plant, too. But there's more to caring for a quince than just planting it and wishing it luck. Read about common quince pests and how to eliminate them in this informative article!
-
No Fruit On A Quince Tree – Why Is Quince Fruit Not FormingThere's nothing more frustrating than a fruit tree that's not fruiting. Have you questioned, "Why won't my quince tree fruit? Why is quince fruit not forming?" Well, wonder why no longer. Click here to learn more about why there is no fruit on a quince tree.
-
How To Grow Quince In Containers – Tips For Growing Quince In A PotFruiting quince is a fascinating, little grown tree that deserves more recognition. If you're short on space and feeling ambitious, you can try your hand at growing this tree in a container. Click this article to learn more about growing quince in a container.
-
Quince Tree Propagation: How To Propagate Fruiting Quince TreesQuince is a seldom grown but much loved fruit that deserves more attention. If you're interested in growing a quince tree, you're in for a treat. Click the following article to learn more about quince tree reproduction and how to propagate fruiting quince.
-
Moving A Quince Tree: Learn How To Transplant A Quince TreeTransplanting a quince that you just brought home from the nursery is not hard, but can you move a quince that's been in the ground for years? Click on the following article for all the information you need on how to transplant a quince.
-
Making A Quince Hedge – How To Grow A Quince Fruit Tree HedgeThere are a number of reasons to include either in the landscape, but do quince trees make good hedges, in particular, the fruiting type? And how do you grow a quince fruit tree hedge? Click here to find out about making and growing a fruiting quince hedge.
-
Flower Drop In Quince: Why Is Quince Tree Dropping FlowersA quince tree covered with white and pink flowers in springtime is a lovely sight. When these flowers fall off before producing fruit (blossom drop), it?s certainly disappointing. Quince blossom drop may be due to several factors. Learn what those are here.
