{"product_id":"plum-prunus-yellow-pershore","title":"Quince (Cydonia) Meech's Prolific 12L","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuince (Cydonia oblonga) 'Meech's Prolific' – 12L Pot\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e'Meech's Prolific' is one of the best quinces for British gardens, grown as much for its beauty as for its fruit. It was discovered in Connecticut in the 19th century and has been prized ever since for its reliable, generous crops. In spring the twisting branches are covered in large, pale blush-pink blossoms, followed by dark green leaves. In autumn it bears large, pear-shaped quinces that ripen to a glowing golden yellow with a rich, sweet fragrance. In a warm, sheltered garden they can weigh up to 500g each. Pick them in early October, when the skin turns fully golden. The fruit is too hard to eat raw, but gentle cooking turns the flesh a beautiful rose-pink and makes superb jellies, jams, membrillo and purées. A few slices will also lift an apple pie or crumble. The quinces store well, and one or two in a bowl will scent a room. It is self-fertile, so a single tree will crop well on its own.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003ePlant in full sun in a warm, sheltered spot, ideally facing south or west, because the blossom is susceptible to frost and the fruit needs warmth to ripen well. Quinces tolerate a wide range of soils, including heavy clay, but do best in deep, moist, moisture-retentive ground that doesn't become waterlogged. Improve poorer soil with well-rotted compost or manure before planting, and water well while the tree establishes and during dry spells. Little pruning is needed beyond removing dead, damaged or crossing branches in winter to keep an open, balanced shape. The seeds contain toxins, so remove them before cooking, and keep fallen fruit away from pets. It is hardy across most of the UK (RHS H5). Size depends on the rootstock, with the RHS giving a height and spread of 2.5–4m within 10–20 years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eSupplied in a 12 litre pot. Each tree is hand-selected before dispatch.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eAvailable from Pengelly Garden Centre.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Pengelly Garden Centre","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58811534508406,"sku":null,"price":66.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0380\/1766\/3020\/files\/Meech.jpg?v=1790251530","url":"https:\/\/www.pengellygardencentre.co.uk\/products\/plum-prunus-yellow-pershore","provider":"PengellyGardenCentre","version":"1.0","type":"link"}