Aromatnaya Quince Tree Options Explained
Aromatnaya (literal Russian to English translation means "fragrant") quince is a quince tree grown for its smooth, rounded yellow fruit, spring blossom, very fragrant fruits and strong tropical or pineapple-like flavour. Different to a lot of quince fruits because you can eat it fresh as well as cook with it, but some think it is a bit hard and sharp straight off the tree and suggest letting it soften up a little. Originating from Russia, so don't look after it's communist roots, take care of the literal ones.
The tree itself is attractive as well as productive. In spring, it produces pale pink to white blossom. Through the growing season it has green leaves with silvery-grey undersides, followed by yellow autumn colour before the leaves fall. The fruit ripens in autumn, usually around late September to October depending on the season and site.
Aromatnaya is In pollination or flowering group 3 and is self-fertile, so it does not normally need another quince tree nearby to crop.
Expect a mature height and spread of around 2.5–4m, depending on local growing conditions and training (tree pruning not cardio or martial arts).
Aromatnaya Quince Fruit Storage
Aromatnaya quince fruit can be stored after harvest to let the flavour mellow. Keep only clean, undamaged fruit.
After picking, Aromatnaya quinces store well and are often kept for 6–8 weeks. Keep in a cool, dark place, spaced apart and unwrapped. Under proper cold storage close to 0°C, quince fruit can keep for around 2–3 months.
Planting Aromatnaya Quince
Plant Aromatnaya quince in full sun, in the warmest sheltered position you can give it. 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 deep, 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 Aromatnaya Quince
Aromatnaya is also known as Krymsk and is linked with southern Russia and the Black Sea region.
The name Aromatnaya suits the tree well. The fruit is strongly fragrant, and aroma is one of the main reasons people grow quinces in the first place. A ripe quince can scent a room, and Aromatnaya is one of the varieties where that fragrance is part of the appeal.
Like other quinces, Aromatnaya can have disease problems in poor conditions or difficult seasons. The main ones worth knowing about are quince leaf blight and fire blight. This does not mean the tree is difficult to grow, but it does mean it should not be sold as completely disease-proof. Good airflow, sensible pruning, avoiding a cramped damp site and removing affected material if problems appear will all help.
The aromatic fruit can also be used to flavour drinks, including quince liqueurs or quince-infused vodka.
This quince has nothing to do with the early 80's TV medical examiner, Quincy M.E. just in case you were wondering.
Quince Tree Jargon Explained
Quince A: The rootstock the tree is grown on will restrict growth to around 3.5m
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.
