Giant of Zagreb Quince

Giant of Zagreb Quince (Cydonia oblonga)

The Giant of Zagreb Quince is a highly productive fruiting tree known for its large, aromatic yellow fruits and its beautiful ornamental value. Perfect for home orchards, this quince variety offers not only delicious fruit but also stunning spring blooms.

Key Features:

• Hardiness Zone: Thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 5 to 9, making it suitable for a wide range of climates.
• Soil Type: Prefers well-drained, fertile loamy soils but is adaptable to sandy and clay soils. Good drainage is essential to avoid root rot.
• Height and Width: Reaches a mature height of 10 to 15 feet and spreads 8 to 10 feet, making it ideal for smaller gardens or as part of a fruit orchard.
• Fruit Size: Produces large, golden-yellow fruits that can grow up to 4 inches in diameter, with firm, aromatic flesh perfect for culinary use.

Growth Habits:

• Growth Rate: Moderate growth rate with a bushy, rounded canopy. It’s a deciduous tree that sheds its leaves in winter.
• Flowering Time: Blooms in mid-spring, producing delicate, pale pink to white flowers that add ornamental beauty to your garden and attract pollinators.

Caring for Your Giant of Zagreb Quince:

• Sunlight: Requires full sun to partial shade for optimal fruit production. Ensure it gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
• Watering: Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Once established, water deeply but less frequently, ensuring the soil stays moist but not waterlogged.
• Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy growth and fruiting. Mulching around the base can help retain soil moisture and control weeds.

Harvesting Quince Fruit:

• Ripening: The fruits ripen in late fall (September to October), turning a golden-yellow color and emitting a fragrant aroma when ready for harvest.
• Harvesting Tips: Harvest quince when they are fully ripe and fragrant. Unlike most fruits, quinces are best when cooked, as they are quite hard and astringent when raw.

Culinary Uses:

The Giant of Zagreb Quince produces fruits that are perfect for:

• Making jams, jellies, and marmalades.
• Baking into pies, tarts, and desserts.
• Cooking into sauces or poaching to bring out the rich flavor and aroma.

Additional Information:

• Pollination: The Giant of Zagreb Quince is self-fertile but will benefit from cross-pollination with other quince varieties to increase fruit yield.
• Pests and Diseases: Generally resistant to most pests, though occasional monitoring for aphids, fire blight, or leaf spots is recommended. Pruning for airflow can help reduce disease risk.

Ornamental Value:

In addition to its productive fruit, the Giant of Zagreb Quince adds aesthetic beauty to any landscape with its attractive spring blooms and lush green foliage throughout the growing season.

Add the Giant of Zagreb Quince to your garden or orchard today for a stunning tree that offers both ornamental appeal and delicious, aromatic fruit!