To propagate quince, the most common method is by taking hardwood cuttings from one-year-old wood in late autumn or early winter, typically around 10 inches long, dipping the cut end in rooting hormone, and planting them in a moist, well-draining potting mix; ensure to keep the cuttings consistently moist until they establish roots, which can take several months; you can also propagate quince through layering or by seed, but this method may produce plants with variations from the parent tree.
Key points about propagating quince:
Cutting type: Use hardwood cuttings from one-year-old wood for the best rooting success.
Timing: Take cuttings in late autumn or early winter.
Cutting length: Aim for cuttings around 10 inches long.
Rooting hormone: Dip the cut end of the cutting in rooting hormone to encourage root development.
Planting medium: Use a well-draining potting mix with good moisture retention.
Care after planting: Keep the cuttings consistently moist and provide bright, indirect light until they establish roots.
Other propagation methods for quince:
Layering: Bend a low branch of the quince plant towards the ground, bury a section of it in the soil, and allow it to root before separating it from the parent plant.
Seed propagation: Collect quince seeds and stratify them (expose them to a cold period) before planting to improve germination; note that plants grown from seed may not be identical to the parent plant.