Japanese quince: planting and caring for the shrub

Chaenomeles, or Japanese quince, belongs to the Rosaceae family. They are thorny, deciduous shrubs that sometimes reach up to 2 meters in height. The plant has a very dense, rounded crown. In May, the plant blooms profusely with beautiful red, orange, or pink flowers. The fruit is fragrant and resembles a small apple. Japanese quince can be propagated by seed, layering, or cuttings.

Planting location and conditions. Chaenomeles prefers sunny locations with good air circulation, but can also grow in partial shade. Its root system is very deep, so it's best not to replant it. Furthermore, if a piece of root is left behind during replanting, it will germinate. Japanese quince prefers rich, well-drained soil. However, it can also grow in poorer soils. It only tolerates alkaline soils.

Care. The plant responds well to spring fertilization. Regular watering is required for maximum yield, but the shrub can also tolerate drought. To retain moisture and prevent weeds, mulching is recommended. Japanese quince tolerates pruning well, making it suitable for low hedges. Pruning, in turn, stimulates the formation of a dense, bushy crown. Plants can freeze during very harsh winters, but generally recover well.

Using Japanese quince fruits. The fruits are heavy and firm, yellow, and tart. They are eaten raw or cooked, and are less commonly used dried. Chaenomeles fruits soften slightly after refrigeration and can be used as a lemon substitute.

It's interesting to know that 100 grams of juice contains 124-182 mg of vitamin C, which is three times less than that found in lemons. Japanese quince juice also contains potassium, magnesium, iron, copper, zinc, sodium, and calcium, and is rich in fruit acids.

Fruits contain high levels of pectin, so they are often used to make jam. In Japan, for example, a delicious liqueur is made from Japanese quince fruits, sugar, and alcohol.

Japanese quince is very beneficial and has medicinal properties. It helps fight respiratory illnesses, acts as an immune system stimulant, and is used as an anti-inflammatory for joint and muscle pain.