Published in the newspaper Postimees in 2016
Chaenomeles originates mainly from the mountainous forests of Japan and China. Four species are known in the genus, three of which are endemic to China. They did not become widely used in Europe until the end of the 18th century.
Japanese or thorny quince (Chaenomeles japonica) is relatively low, 60-100 cm. It blooms in May-June with abundant orange to red flowers. The shrub with spreading branches is usually covered with snow in our winter, so the risk of freezing of the branches is lower . Smooth or tall quince (Chaenomeles speciosa) is an upright shrub that grows over two meters high in its homeland. In harsher winters, it can be more damaged in our climate by freezing to the snow line. The color of the flowers varies from orange-red to pink and white. By crossing these two species, hundreds of good varieties of the beautiful quince (Chaenomeles x superba) have been obtained, which vary in their characteristics in terms of frost resistance, height, flowering time, flower color and fruit shape and size. Fortunately, forms without stepsons have also been found. The choice of varieties is quite large, but their availability and information about their suitability for our climate is quite lacking. If you want to bring a plant with you from your garden trips, it is worth remembering that as a rose, the common quince is always on the list of plants that must be imported.
Cultivation
Although it is a relatively undemanding plant species, there are still some important requirements for abundant flowering and a larger harvest. The equanimum certainly needs a fertile, sunny location with lighter soil. The soil pH must be slightly acidic, because in an alkaline environment the absorption of nutrients is impaired. This is indicated, for example, by chlorosis of the leaves and wilting at the edges during the growing season. It is also important to know that the equanimum flowers are sterile to their own pollen and to obtain a harvest, it is necessary to grow several different plants side by side, which would not be root propagations of the same plant, but could be seed propagations of the same plant.
The main task in care is to cut out winter-damaged, poorly developed, light-blocking and old, fruitless branches. Pruning can also limit the plant's desire to conquer the planting area with root shoots. It is enough to keep 11-16 main branches from one to four years old on the bush. The strongest shoots of the third year of the quince bear the most abundant harvest.
Since the quince bush has small leaves and is quite sparse, perennial weeds grow quite easily into the bush. It is worth weeding them as early as possible, because the sharp thorns make this work very troublesome. Therefore, it is wise to thoroughly clean the ground of perennial weed roots before planting and use a layer of newspaper, covered with a suitable layer of bark chips or milled peat, to mulch the surface under the bush.
Usage
Most often, the equanimum is used in the garden as a visual delight, singly, in groups or as a low hedge. In the cool spring, the fiery red flowers last for almost 3-4 weeks. Some varieties bloom again in the second half of the summer. The fruits usually ripen in September-October. Since the ripe fruits are green, whitish-green, yellow and sometimes also ruddy, but completely hard, a strong pleasant aroma indicates that they are ripe. Like apples, maturity can be checked by the color of the seeds. It is worth being careful when harvesting the fruits before the onset of frost, because the first night frost can ruin the fruits. However, to allow the fruits to ripen on the bush for as long as possible, frost cloth or other suitable material can be used when the first night frosts arrive.
Quince fruits have traditionally been used as a raw preserve, layered with sugar, for making jams and marmalades, and as an addition to preserves with pumpkin and other organic fruits. The most valuable way to preserve quince is to freeze it, either simply crushed with a food processor or as juice pressed in ice cube bags - this way you can enjoy its wonderful aroma even in winter. The aroma also remains in alcohol. In addition to quince fruits, the seeds are also valuable, as they contain a lot of iodine and vitamin E. Ground seeds can be added to various porridges or when baking homemade bread. In addition, buds, young leaves and shoots can be used to make a delicious sour tea or used to flavor various dishes.