quince 'Champion'

When planting your quince, prepare a hole up to three times the diameter of its root system. Fork over the base of the pit in readiness, incorporating plenty of organic matter into the backfill and planting hole. Avoiding frozen and waterlogged soil, trees should be planted out as they arrive.

If you've ordered a bare root tree, soak the roots in a bucket of water for half an hour prior to planting, or if this is not possible, they can be heeled in temporarily, covering their roots with soil, or potted up. Ensure newly planted quince trees receive ample watering during their initial growing season.

Prune in late winter or early spring, removing diseased, damaged, congested or crossing shoots. Shoots that are growing in unwanted directions can also be pruned out. The fruits can be stored in a cool, dry and dark place on shallow trays for up to three months. Allow the fruits to mature for six weeks before using.