Chaenomeles sinensis Seeds | Chinese Quince
LATIN NAME: Chaenomeles sinensis
COMMON NAME: Chinese Quince
Plant Profile
A distinctive member of its genus, Chinese Quince (Chaenomeles sinensis) is a small, deciduous tree. In time it steadily becomes a rounded crown, reaching 5-10 metres. Site it in full sun, in deep, fertile ground. In good conditions it grows to around 5-10 metres. Put simply, this is a rewarding species for anyone willing to give it a suitable spot.
Science & Biotechnology
The species features in the wider study of the Chaenomeles group, and its traits make it a useful subject for work on germination biology, cultivation and ornamental selection. Species has also been studied in botany, since it is sole species of its genus, and its classification and its relationships with quinces and flowering quinces have been examined. The practical point for growers is that this plant has been observed in gardens for so long that its behaviour holds few surprises.
Uses & Benefits
Beyond its ornamental appeal, Chinese Quince has the practical versatility that makes a plant worth growing from seed year after year. Ecologically, the Chinese quince is a generous tree of autumn garden. For a grower, the Chinese quince is an easy and rewarding tree, and for a gardener it brings pink flowers, glossy foliage and golden, fragrant fruit. Seeds are easy — sow them in a pot of moist, free-draining compost in a sunny spot, keep them lightly watered, and theyll sprout in good time, growing on into a handsome, fragrant tree. Establishment is uncomplicated, and afterwards ordinary care suffices.
Flowering quince fruit, Mu Gua in Chinese medicine, is a classical herb for relaxing stiff muscles and aiding digestion, and the hard, fragrant fruits make excellent jellies rich in pectin and vitamin C.
Growing from Seed
Raising Chinese Quince from seed is straightforward. Sow the seed evenly over the surface and cover lightly, using a loose, well-drained seed compost, and keep it just moist in full sun until the seedlings are well up. A cool, moist period before sowing helps the seeds wake evenly — a few weeks in damp medium in the refrigerator is the usual approach. When the young plants are big enough to handle, space them into pots or a nursery row and let them size up before their final move.
Our Take
The traditional uses covered above are what first made this species worth cultivating. Once established, Chinese Quince largely looks after itself. A cool, moist period before sowing prepares the seed well; care after that is routine.
Related Reading
Gardeners who grow Chinese Quince often pair it with these related subjects: