Vranja Quince Tree
Vranja quince is one of the best-known quince trees grown in the UK. It is mainly grown for its large to very large, pear-shaped yellow fruit, strong traditional quince fragrance and attractive spring blossom. It is a proper cooking quince rather than a fruit you would normally eat fresh from the tree, unless you lie to your partner and say they taste just like apples to see the suck face look after the first bite.
Fruit sizes of 600g and above have been reported by specialist sources, with sources giving a typical range of 600–1200g.[1] [2]
The tree itself is attractive as well as productive. In spring, it produces pale pink blossom, followed by green foliage through the growing season and large aromatic fruit in autumn. The fruit is usually ready in October, depending on the season and site.
Vranja is self-fertile, so it does not normally need another quince tree nearby to crop. A second compatible quince may still help improve fruit set, but it is not essential for most gardens.
Vranja Quince Fruit Storage
After picking, Vranja quinces can usually be stored for around 6–8 weeks in a cool, dark place to let the fruit mellow. Store only clean, undamaged fruit, spaced apart and unwrapped. In proper cold storage at around 0°C with high humidity, quince fruit can keep for about 2–3 months, but normal home storage is better described as weeks rather than months.
Planting Vranja Quince
Plant Vranja quince in full sun, in a warm, sheltered position. A south-facing or west-facing site is ideal where available. Shelter helps protect the blossom and improves the chance of good fruit ripening later in the season.
The soil should be fertile, moist and well-drained. Avoid very dry ground and avoid planting where the soil sits wet for long periods. Quince trees like moisture, but they do not want to be sitting in stagnant, waterlogged soil.
Before planting, water the pot well. Dig a generous planting hole, loosen the surrounding soil, and plant the tree at the same depth it was growing in the pot. Firm the soil gently around the roots and water thoroughly after planting.
Keep the tree watered during dry spells while it establishes, especially in the first growing season. A mulch around the base can help conserve moisture, but keep mulch away from direct contact with the stem.
Other Interesting Information About Vranja Quince
Vranja is linked with Serbia and is often sold as one of the standard, traditional quince varieties for UK gardens.
The fruit is best used for cooking, poaching, baking, jellies, preserves, membrillo and adding quince flavour to desserts or drinks. When cooked, quince can develop a richer flavour and colour, which is one of the main reasons people grow it.
Like other quinces, Vranja can have disease problems in poor conditions or difficult seasons. The main ones worth knowing about are quince leaf blight and fire blight, and the risk can be reduced with good airflow, sensible pruning, avoiding a cramped damp site and removing affected material if problems appear.
Vranja is also known as Vranjska dunja or Dunjac in Serbia, where it is treated as an old traditional quince variety.
Source
[1] Sadnice Dunje — Vranjska (Dunjac). Serbian specialist quince nursery; states Vranjska fruit is very large, 600g to 1200g. https://sadnicedunje.rs/sadnice-dunje-vranjska-dunjac/
[2] Cornusmas.eu — Quince cv. Vranja. Specialist hardy fruit nursery; states Vranja bears the largest quince fruit in their range, more than 600g. https://cornusmas.eu/catalogue/quince
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Thank you - tree arrived today and recipient very pleased Sara mead 0720
*(Scrumptious Apple Tree and Vranja Quince Tree) Arrived this morning, and now planted out along with the quince which arrived last week. I will definitely be recommending you to anyone else looking for trees! Keep up the good work! Thanks Rob 0620-26230
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