🍐 Growing Quince (Cydonia oblonga) From Seed: Full Step-by-Step Guide With Photos
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.
1. Early Winter: Quince Tree With Ripe Fruits
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 to Expose 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. Quince Seeds Inside the Fruit
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.
