An almost forgotten fruit is currently experiencing a renaissance in our gardens: the apple quince. In order for the otherwise undemanding trees to bear well, they need to be cut regularly. This is not only important to keep uncontrolled wild growth in check, but also serves as disease prevention.
When and how should you cut an apple quince?
The best time to prune an apple quince is in the spring before flowering. Be sure to use sharp, clean tools and carefully remove branches to widen the crown. For older trees, repeat the cut every two to three years and remove branches growing inwards or downwards.
When is the right time for this care measure?
As a rule, it is sufficient to prune these fruit trees every second or third year. This should be done in early spring, before flowering begins. In rough locations, be sure to wait until after the Ice Saints, because only then will there be no more threat of late frosts.
You should check the tree regularly throughout the year. If leaves appear with small, reddish-brown spots or even completely discolored leaves, cut them off immediately. Your apple quince is then affected by leaf brown, a plant disease that can be easily controlled by pruning.
How to cut correctly?
Only use very sharp and clean cutting tools for tree trimming (€39.00 on Amazon). This ensures that no pathogens or fungi can penetrate through the cut and damage the tree. Apple quinces need at least four years before they bear their first fruit. During this time the tree was only thinned out:
- In the first few years, try to let the tree crown become a little wider, so that more light gets into the inside of the tree and to the late-ripening fruits.
- For this purpose, cut out specific branches and shape the apple quince into the desired shape.
- In addition, remove any branches that grow inwards or downwards.
Pruning older trees
Older quince trees only need to be thinned out every two to three years. You can recognize old wood by the fact that it is hardly or not at all covered by the fluff layer that is characteristic of quinces. Apple quinces bear fruit on short side shoots, so pay attention to a light structure even with older trees.
- Remove all branches and twigs that grow inwards or downwards.
- Short the leading branches until there are four in a horizontal line.
- Cut off water shoots directly on the trunk.
- Also remove shoots that are too long and close together.
Tip
Quince fruits are divided into apple and pear quinces according to their shape. The pulp, the number of seeds and the taste also differ.
