North American Fruit Explorers mailing list at ibiblio

[rmelrose@danvilleVT.net]

> Anyone have any experience growing aromatnaya or some of the other hardy 
> russian quinces in zone 4?  I'd like to make sure they're worth a try in 
> our area.  If anyone has any recommendations on varieties to trial or 
> for sources that would be great.  I note that raintree and some of the 
> other standard mail order nurseries carry some of them, but are there 
> other economical bareroot sources?
> 
> Thanks,
> Anton Ptak
> zone 4a w. wisconsin

Here's what I have experienced Anton.

Northern Vermont -- zone 4a now but previously 3b -- I have tried:-

Aromatnaya (1999) It is rather heavily shaded much of the day, but also
protected. Has grown slowly and is now about six feet high, no flowers
after nearly 10 years and several die back episodes.

Kaunching (2003) Full sun with a wall to the North. Grew well for several
years and then died for no obvious reason, most likely cold damage.

Krimskaya (2004) This is in the best position, very sunny and close to a
wall on the SE side of the house. Has produced heavily for several
years. No fruit this year but then I have essentially no apples and few
pears either after a disastrous Spring freeze. The fruit is small, not
even big by apple standards, but definitely tastes of quince. 

Kurganskaya (2003) Decent position with full sun and protection to North,
has grown well and flowered heavily for three years but only set one quince
so far which did not make it to maturity. Currently about 9 feet tall,
largest of the quinces here.

Orange (2003) Behind the same wall as Kurganskaya. Slowly declined over
several years and finally died.

Smyrna (1999) Died quickly.

Tashkent (2003) Maybe a bit exposed, but sunny position. Has struggled
mightily and is still about two feet tall after nearly ten years.

It looks as though the Japanese beetles are out of control near the
Krimskaya -- which is definitely the most successful quince -- I have to
work out what to do with them. I plan to plant a couple more, also
have grown some seedlings.

Don't know of any sources other than the somewhat expensive NW nurseries.

Richard