🍐 Growing Quince (Cydonia oblonga) From Seed: Full Step-by-Step Guide With Photos
This guide documents how I grew quince (Cydonia oblonga) from ripe fruits, including collecting fallen fruit, cutting the fruit open, separating and washing the seeds, sowing them in a propagation tray, and growing young quince seedlings.
Quince (Cydonia oblonga) is a fragrant, golden-yellow fruit tree that is beloved in East Asia and Europe.
In Korea, the scent of quince is especially strong and easily fills the air in late autumn.
I collected ripe quince fruits, extracted the seeds, sowed them, and grew young quince seedlings. Here is the full seed-to-sprout growth record.
Quick Summary:
- I collected ripe and fallen quince fruits in early winter.
- The fruit was cut open to reveal glossy brown seeds inside.
- Mature seeds were separated and washed to reduce mold risk.
- The cleaned seeds were sown lightly in a propagation tray with well-draining soil.
- Several weeks later, the seeds germinated and produced healthy quince seedlings.
- Quince seedlings developed bright green cotyledons, upright stems, and their first true leaves.
1. Collecting Ripe Quince Fruits in Early Winter
In early winter, the quince tree still held several fruits on its branches.
Their skin had turned deep yellow and fragrant.
This is the perfect stage for collecting seeds.
2. Fallen Quince on the Ground
Some fruits dropped naturally, softening on the ground.
These fallen fruits still contain viable seeds.
3. Picking Up a Quince Fruit
I picked up several fruits by hand.
Even after falling, the scent remained strong and sweet.
4. A Fully Aged, Darkened Quince
Some fruits become dark and overripe as they age.
Even though they don’t look fresh, the seeds inside remain healthy and capable of germination.
5. Cutting the Quince Fruit and Finding the Seeds
When cut open, the quince fruit reveals a cluster of large, brown seeds surrounded by firm, aromatic flesh.
These seeds are perfect for propagation.
6. Separating and Washing Quince Seeds
The seeds are medium-sized, glossy, and brown.
Collect seeds that are mature, firm, and fully colored.
7. Separating the Seeds
I removed the seeds one by one and washed them thoroughly.
Clean seeds reduce mold risk during germination.
8. Sowing the Seeds in a Tray
I sowed the quince seeds in a propagation tray filled with well-draining soil.
Quince seeds prefer:
- Light burial
- Mild moisture
- Cool stratification (optional but helpful)
9. Germinating and Growing Into Seedlings
Several weeks later, the quince seeds germinated and produced small sprouts.
Over time, the seedlings developed:
- Bright green cotyledons
- Strong upright stems
- First true leaves with quince’s characteristic shape
I photographed multiple stages of early growth.
Conclusion
Growing Cydonia oblonga (Quince) from seed is simple and highly rewarding.
With a fragrant fruit to start from and healthy seeds inside, you can raise your own quince seedlings even at home.
If you love fruit trees or want a unique indoor/outdoor plant project, quince is an excellent choice.
Visit Us at Greenfingers
Thanks for reading! All the plants you see in my posts are lovingly raised right here at Greenfingers. We specialize in healthy, vibrant tropical plants and want to share the joy of gardening with the world.
If you’re a plant lover traveling through South Korea, feel free to stop by and say hello!
- Farm Name: Greenfingers (그린핑거스)
- Location: 42-6, Munbak-gil, Nangseong-myeon, Sangdang-gu, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do, Republic of Korea (Postal Code: 28182)
- Follow us on Instagram: [@greenfingers.center]
"Growing happiness, one leaf at a time."
