Troubleshooting
Quince 'Smyrna' problems — and how to fix them
Quince 'Smyrna' (Cydonia oblonga 'Smyrna') is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Quince leaf blight
Fungus (Diplocarpon) causing dark spots, yellowing and early leaf drop in wet seasons. Rake and destroy fallen leaves; improve airflow; avoid overhead wetting.
Fireblight
Bacterial disease blackening blossoms and shoot tips into a 'shepherd's crook'. Prune out infected wood well below symptoms, disinfecting tools between cuts.
Codling moth
Larvae tunnel into fruit. Use pheromone traps from late spring and remove windfalls promptly to break the cycle.
Fruit drop in drought
Dry spells during fruit swell cause premature drop and cracking. Mulch and water deeply through summer to keep soil evenly moist.
Prevent quince 'smyrna' problems before they start
Most quince 'smyrna' issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for quince 'smyrna' in general rather than its problems? Read the full quince 'smyrna' care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Quince 'Smyrna' problems — FAQ
Why is my quince 'smyrna' quince leaf blight?
Fungus (Diplocarpon) causing dark spots, yellowing and early leaf drop in wet seasons. Rake and destroy fallen leaves; improve airflow; avoid overhead wetting.
Why is my quince 'smyrna' fireblight?
Bacterial disease blackening blossoms and shoot tips into a 'shepherd's crook'. Prune out infected wood well below symptoms, disinfecting tools between cuts.
Why is my quince 'smyrna' codling moth?
Larvae tunnel into fruit. Use pheromone traps from late spring and remove windfalls promptly to break the cycle.
Why is my quince 'smyrna' fruit drop in drought?
Dry spells during fruit swell cause premature drop and cracking. Mulch and water deeply through summer to keep soil evenly moist.