Quince 'Meech's Prolific' Cydonia oblonga 'Meech's Prolific' (F)
ABOUT
'Meech's Prolific' produces regular crops of pear-shaped fruit with good flavour
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae.
Synonyms
Quince, Meech's Prolific Quince.
Common names
Cydonia oblonga 'Meech's Prolific' (F)
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
10-15 feet (3-4.5 meters)
Spread
10-15 feet (3-4.5 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Caucasus
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Quince trees, particularly 'Meech's Prolific', have attractive pink and white blossoms, making them a beautiful addition to gardens.
- Fruit Production: This variety is known for its reliable and abundant fruit production of large, aromatic quinces, which can be used in various culinary applications.
- Pollinator Attraction: The blossoms of the quince tree attract bees and other pollinators, supporting biodiversity in the garden.
- Shade and Shelter: As a sizable deciduous tree, it provides shade and shelter in landscapes and gardens, which can help reduce cooling costs in nearby structures during hot months.
- Low Maintenance: Quince trees, including the 'Meech's Prolific' cultivar, generally require minimal pruning and care once established, making them a convenient choice for many gardeners.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, quince trees are relatively drought tolerant, making them suitable for planting in regions with less rainfall.
- Edible Landscaping: Quince trees can be an integral part of edible landscaping, offering both aesthetic beauty and practical harvests.
- Longevity: Quince trees can live and produce fruit for many years, offering a long-term investment for gardeners and fruit growers.
- Adaptability: This tree can adapt to a range of soil types, though it prefers well-drained soil, which makes it versatile for different garden conditions.
- Cultural and Historical Significance: The quince tree has a long history of cultivation, and adding this plant to a garden can connect an individual to gardening traditions of the past.
Medical Properties- Antioxidant: The fruit of the quince (Cydonia oblonga) may have antioxidant properties due to the presence of phenolic compounds.
- Anti-inflammatory: Quince fruit and seed extracts might possess anti-inflammatory effects that could be beneficial in reducing inflammation.
- Gastroprotective: Anecdotal evidence suggests that quince might be used to soothe the gastrointestinal tract and treat ulcers.
- Antidiarrheal: The tannins found in quince are thought to help manage symptoms of diarrhea.
- Antiallergic: Some studies propose that the fruit may have antiallergic properties, potentially helping with allergic symptoms.
- Antiviral: There is some suggestion that quince might have antiviral activities, though robust evidence is lacking.
- Respiratory health: Quince fruit is traditionally used in some cultures to relieve throat and bronchial irritation.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Quince seeds can be soaked in water to produce a mucilage that is useful as a hair styling gel or conditioner.
- The fruit's high pectin content makes it an excellent choice for making natural homemade jellies and jams.
- Quince can be used to produce a natural dye for fabrics, producing colors ranging from soft yellows to deeper oranges depending on the mordant used.
- The wood of the quince tree is dense and can be used in the creation of woodwind instruments or small carved objects.
- With its attractive flowers, Cydonia oblonga 'Meech's Prolific' is also used as an ornamental plant to enhance the aesthetics of gardens and parks.
- Dried quince fruits can serve as a natural air freshener, emitting a subtle fragrance in drawers and closets.
- Fruit leather made from quince provides a healthy, chewy snack that preserves the fruit's flavor and nutritive value.
- Used in liqueur production, quince imparts a unique fruity flavor to spirits and homemade alcoholic concoctions.
- Quince paste, or membrillo, is a traditional delicacy served with cheese, particularly in Spanish cuisine, offering a unique sweet-tart flavor combination.
- Blossoms and fruit can be used to create decorative arrangements or wreaths, adding natural beauty to home décor.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Quince is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Quince is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Fertility: Quince trees, such as Cydonia oblonga 'Meech's Prolific', often symbolize fertility due to their abundant fruit production.
- Love and Marriage: In ancient Greece, quince was sacred to Aphrodite, the goddess of love, and was given as a gift at weddings, signifying the sweet and lasting union between spouses.
- Good Fortune: The quince is sometimes carried as an amulet or used in rituals to attract good fortune, as its sweet fragrance and long-lasting nature are seen as signs of prosperity and happiness.
- Protection: In some cultures, the quince tree is thought to ward off evil spirits and negativity, offering protection to those who grow it or keep its fruit within their homes.
- Beauty and Perseverance: The quince's delicate flowers and resilient nature in harsh growing conditions have made it a symbol of beauty and the ability to thrive despite challenges.
WaterFor the quince variety 'Meech's Prolific', regular watering is essential, especially during the growing season. It is advisable to water this plant deeply once a week, providing about 1.5 to 2 gallons per session for a young tree, increasing to 2 to 4 gallons for an established tree, depending on weather conditions. During hot and dry periods, water the plant more frequently to maintain moist but not waterlogged soil. Be particularly mindful of watering during fruit development to prevent stress which can lead to fruit drop. In the winter, reduce watering as the tree enters dormancy.
LightThe quince 'Meech's Prolific' thrives in full sun, which means at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. The best spot for this plant is an area with unobstructed sunlight, away from the shadow of larger trees or buildings, to ensure it receives ample light throughout the day. Avoid locations that are prone to heavy shade, as this will affect fruit production and overall health.
Temperature'Meech's Prolific' quince plants are hardy and can withstand winter temperatures as low as 0°F but prefer a moderate climate. The ideal temperature range for growing quince is between 50°F and 85°F. These plants can survive occasional dips below freezing; however, prolonged exposure to temperatures below 0°F may damage the plant.
PruningPruning the 'Meech's Prolific' quince is important to maintain tree structure, remove dead or diseased wood, and encourage fruit production. Prune in late winter, while the tree is dormant, but after the coldest part of the winter to avoid frost damage on the cuts. Annually remove any crossing branches and thin out dense growth to improve air circulation. Every few years, perform a more thorough pruning to rejuvenate older trees.
CleaningAs needed
SoilQuince 'Meech's Prolific' thrives in well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a slightly acidic to neutral pH, between 6.0 and 7.0. A good mix could include garden soil, compost, and perlite to improve drainage. Regular mulching helps maintain soil moisture and health.
Repotting'Meech's Prolific' quince trees, being primarily outdoor plants, do not require frequent repotting. Instead, they are planted in the ground where they can grow for years without needing to be moved unless they outgrow their space or there's a need for garden redesign.
Humidity & MistingQuince trees like 'Meech's Prolific' are adaptable to a wide range of humidity conditions and do not require specific humidity levels; average outdoor ambient humidity is usually sufficient for their growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Not suited for indoor growth due to size and light needs.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draining soil, water regularly.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe quince (Cydonia oblonga 'Meech's Prolific') begins its life cycle as a dormant seed that requires stratification to germinate. Upon germination in early spring, the quince seedling emerges, developing a strong root system and foliage. As the plant matures over several years, it grows into a deciduous, flowering tree that blooms with pinkish-white flowers in the spring. Once pollinated, typically by bees, these flowers develop into large, fragrant, golden-yellow fruit, with 'Meech's Prolific' being known for its particularly abundant quince production. The fruit ripens in late autumn and can be harvested before the first frost. After harvesting, the quince tree enters a period of dormancy during the winter months, conserving energy to repeat its cycle the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Cydonia oblonga 'Meech's Prolific', commonly known as the Meech's Prolific quince, is usually propagated by hardwood cuttings as its most popular method. This routine is typically performed during the dormant season, especially in late fall or winter. To propagate, one would take cuttings from mature, healthy branches, ensuring that each cutting is about 8-10 inches long (20-25 cm). The cuttings should have several nodes and are planted in a well-draining rooting medium such as a mix of peat and sand. They usually require bottom heat and a regulated environment such as a greenhouse to strike roots effectively, which may take several weeks to a few months. The newly rooted cuttings are then potted up individually to mature before eventually being transplanted outdoors when conditions are favorable and after the danger of frost has passed.
