While you can technically grow Flowering Quince from seed, I highly recommend going the cutting route instead. It’s a much simpler process, super effective, and the best part? Cuttings will actually bloom much sooner than plants started from scratch!
How to Take and Plant Your Cuttings
- In June, snip off cuttings that are about 8 inches long.
- Strip off the leaves from the bottom half of the stem.
- Let the cut ends dry out in the sun for just a little bit.
- Plant the cuttings in a spot with partial shade.
- Give the soil a good, thorough watering.
- Keep a close eye on them and water regularly while they establish.
For the best results, use a loose, well-draining seed-starting mix. When you’re planting, make sure at least two “nodes” (those little bumps where leaves grow) are buried underground—that’s exactly where the new roots will sprout. Once you see new green growth or leaves popping up, you’ll know your mission was a success!
Growing Flowering Quince from Seed
If you’re up for a little experiment and want to try seeds, you’ll need to start with fully ripe fruit. Scoop the seeds out and let them dry completely. These seeds actually need a “winter chill” to wake up, so place them in a shallow tray of damp sand, cover it with plastic wrap, and keep them in the fridge all winter long.
Come March, move the tray to a sunny windowsill. Make sure to lift the plastic wrap daily to let them breathe and prevent any mold from moving in. Now, fair warning: you’re going to need some serious patience! Flowering Quince seeds are notoriously slow starters.
Moving to the Garden After Two Years
Don’t be surprised if germination takes up to two months, and keep in mind that not every seed will make it. My pro tip? Plant way more seeds than you think you’ll need and keep that soil nice and moist. Once the seedlings hit about two inches tall, you can transplant them into individual pots with potting soil. Just remember, these little guys aren’t ready for the big leagues yet—they’ll need about two years on your windowsill before they’re hardy enough for you to plant them out in the garden.
