Transplanting Flowering Quince: Timing and Aftercare

Moving Chaenomeles speciosa in Salem, NH

Your mature red quince is blooming now. Wait until flowering finishes to transplant—moving during bloom stresses the plant and drops flowers.

Transplant Steps

1. Dig new hole first: twice as wide, same depth as root ball.
2. Water quince deeply day before moving.
3. Dig wide root ball; keep soil intact.
4. Plant immediately at same depth. Backfill with native soil.
5. Water deeply. Mulch 3 inches (keep off trunk).

Aftercare

• Water weekly (twice weekly above 85°F) all summer.
• No fertilizer first year. Composted manure as mulch is fine.
• Next spring, prune any dead wood after bloom.

Quince is tough. Proper timing and watering ensure success.