Portugal is a well-known quince variety, capable of producing large fruits with a very good flavour when grown in the right conditions.
The fruit is ready for picking at the end of September, which is slightly earlier than most other quinces. However the fruits should be stored indoors (at room temperature) for a few weeks to ripen properly.
Portugal quinces may turn a crimson pink when cooked (depending on how ripe they were). They have a soft texture and mild flavour which makes them particularly suitable for making quince marmalade. They are generally considered the best flavoured of all quinces.
**All prices include delivery. We offer a discount on orders of multiple bare-root trees for delivery at the same time - this will be shown at the checkout.
Delivery period: Pot-grown trees can be delivered from September onwards. Bare-root trees can be delivered from mid-November onwards. Within those periods you can specify your preferred month of delivery during the checkout process. It is best to order as soon as you can to ensure items are reserved for you.
*Mature heights: Height shown is the approximate height of the tree when mature (after 5-10 years), not the height when supplied. See photos of trees as supplied. Actual mature heights may vary considerably dependent on your local conditions and training and pruning regime.
Stock availability: Items showing as 'sold out' will probably be available again next season. If you would like to reserve in advance use our enquiry form - this does not commit you to anything.
Portugal is self-fertile and does not need a pollination partner, although fruiting may be improved if there is a compatible tree of a different variety nearby.
Important: advice about pollination
Although like all quinces Portugal is a fairly hardy tree, it needs a sheltered location to produce good quality ripe fruit. It prefers a dry climate and is not suitable for the wetter north-west of the UK - it is probably the most challenging quince variety to grow.
Whereas many quince trees have an attractive growth habit, Portugal is not the best choice for a feature tree - it is grown just for the fruit. It works well as a fan-trained tree or just simply allowed to grow up a south-facing brick wall.
Portugal is self-fertile and no pollination partner is required.
Planting instructions.
Pruning instructions.
Unknown origins but introduced to England in the early 17th century.
