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THE BARE ROOT SEASON IS NOW CLOSED. ALL PURCHASES WILL DELIVERED NOVEMBER 2026
Bare Root Portugal Quince Tree
Bare root Portugal quince tree is a winter-planted fruit tree grown for its large, fragrant, pear-shaped yellow quinces, spring blossom and excellent cooking value. Portugal, also known as Cydonia oblonga Lusitanica, is an old variety mainly used for quince jelly, jam, sauces, baking and preserving.
This is not usually grown as a fresh-eating quince. The fruit is firm, aromatic and best used in the kitchen, where Portugal has a long reputation as one of the better-flavoured cooking quinces.
Bare root Portugal quince trees are supplied without a pot while the tree is dormant, normally from November to March. They are cheaper than potted trees, but they need planting promptly and the roots must be kept moist before planting.
Portugal quince is best planted in full sun, in a warm, sheltered position. A south-facing or west-facing site is ideal where available, because this variety is less hardy than some quinces and needs warmth to ripen its fruit well.
Plant into deep, fertile, moist but well-drained soil. Avoid very dry ground and avoid sites that stay waterlogged. Soak the roots before planting, spread them naturally in the planting hole, firm the soil gently and water well after planting.
Once established, a Portugal quince tree can make an attractive and productive garden fruit tree. Expect a mature height and spread of around 2.5–4m depending on rootstock, pruning, training and growing conditions.
Portugal quince is a good choice if you want an old, aromatic bare root quince tree for cooking and preserving. If your garden is cold, exposed or slow to ripen fruit, choose a tougher quince variety instead.
Do I Need To Stake My Bare Root Tree?
Usually no, especially if under 200cm tall. Our article on Tree Staking should help guide you.
Planting In The Corner Of A Garden
Usually air and light is reduced and if it is a corner with a wooden fence and the house then leeching from both could compound issues. Try to avoid.
1 Year Maiden Bare Root Trees
If you plant a 1 Year maiden tree and do not prune it at all, it will grow a little more upright and have more clear stem.
Quince Tree Jargon Explained
Quince A: The rootstock the tree is grown on will restrict growth to around 3.0-4.5m
Quince C: The rootstock the tree is grown on will restrict growth to around 2.5m -3.0m
Bush: A short amount of clear stem before branching occurs. Usually around 40-50cm
Half Standard: The stem will be clear of branches for about 80-100cm. Ideal for most gardens as this enables the owner to gain easier access underneath the canopy for mowing and possibly companion planting.
General Quince Tree Information
The blooms appear quite early so if you suffer from particularly harsh frosts e.g. at the bottom of a valley then you will need to take ant- frost measures e.g. horticultural fleece, move to a greenhouse or conservatory if potted. The perfect spot for a quince will be a sunny but sheltered spot and give best results after a long hot summer.
Watering requirements are a little higher than your average fruit tree, they prefer to have moist soil (not waterlogged) especially in the summer. Best to water in the morning or evening to reduce evaporation. Apply an organic 2-4 inch thick mulch mid-spring and a high potash fertiliser in late Winter. If you have particularly sandy soils then a high nitrogen feed will benefit every 3 or 4 years.
Expect a final height of around 3.5 metres although some may grow a little taller depending on local conditions and weather.
Quince is an ancient ornamental and fragrant fruit known to the Greeks and Romans who dedicated them to the Gods Venus and Aphrodite. Seen as a symbol of love, happiness and fertility often used in marriage ceremonies.
They were/are also used to combat fatigue, debility and as a laxative so if you are falling asleep on the toilet and unable to keep yourself upright then you could reach for a quince.
Quince Fruit
As the quince is high in pectin it is a valuable fruit for setting jams and jellies. Leave the fruits on the tree as long as possible before picking. It has a very strong fragrance once picked so do not store next to other produce. The tough quince skin may be a pain to remove but this also slows the rotting process down making the fruits last well into the new year.
Quick Fruit Tree Links
Take a look at our TOP SELLING FRUIT TREES, Wet ground issues then choose a PEAR TREE first, followed by APPLE TREES. For more information on pollination please look at choosing the CORRECT POLLINATION PARTNER
Fruit Tree Life Expectancy
Most fruit trees will give you AT LEAST 40 years of fruit. Pears can go to 70. Records of 200 year old trees exist but this is the exception, not the rule.
Do I Need To Stake My Bare Root Fruit Tree?
9 out of 10 times the answer will be no, especially if under 200cm tall. However our article on Tree Staking should help guide you.
Planting In The Corner Of A Garden
Air and light is reduced in this location which could promote fungus and bacterial issues. Corners of houses and fences can also suffer leeching issues so we advise against it.
