Pomes

🍐 The Heritage Quince Selection

The Quince is a nostalgic masterpiece, often called the "Golden Apple" of the ancients. It is a tough, versatile tree that produces fragrant, architectural fruit that transforms any kitchen into a gourmet workshop.

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Portugal Quince Tree

The Gourmet Standard: The Portugal variety is widely considered the finest of all Quinces. It is prized for its superior flavour and the fact that its flesh turns a spectacular, deep crimson-pink when cooked.

Fruit Profile: Large, pear-shaped fruit with a fuzzy, golden-yellow skin. While too tart to eat raw, once slow-roasted or boiled, it becomes tender, aromatic, and incredibly sweet.

Requirements:

 - Climate: Extremely hardy and wind-tolerant, making it perfect for the open gardens of Walmer and Lovemore Heights.

 - Soil: Very adaptable, but it loves the extra nutrients in our Triple Mix Farm Soil (R50).

 - Water: Quinces love moisture! They can handle "heavy" soil better than most fruit trees but thrive with regular deep watering during fruit set.

 - Pollination: Self-fertile (you only need one tree to get a massive harvest!), but it also acts as a great neighbour to other orchard trees.

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📍 Pot & Barrel "Die Plaas" Tip:

Quinces are famous for their high pectin content, making them the ultimate fruit for jams, jellies, and "Membrillo" (quince paste). Because they are so fragrant, just a few ripening fruits will scent an entire room!

🌳 The Ancient Medlar Fruit

The Medlar is a rare, medieval treasure that has seen a massive resurgence among "food forest" enthusiasts. It is one of the most unique fruit trees you can grow, offering stunning white blossoms in spring and a harvest that bridges the gap between autumn and winter.

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Medlar Fruit Tree (Mespilus germanica)

The Gourmet Curiosity: Often called the "forgotten fruit," the Medlar is famous for a process called "bletting." The fruit is harvested in late autumn while hard and tart, then allowed to soften (ripen) indoors until the flesh becomes dark, creamy, and incredibly sweet.

Fruit Profile: Unique, brownish, rose-hip-shaped fruit with an open "crown" at the base. Once bletted, the texture is like a thick fruit butter, with a complex flavour reminiscent of spiced apples, dates, and cinnamon.

Requirements:

 - Climate: Extremely hardy and frost-tolerant. It thrives in the cooler pockets of Gqeberha but handles our sunny Walmer days with ease.

 - Landscape Value: A slow-growing, architectural tree with beautiful "weeping" branches and large, star-shaped white flowers in late spring.

 - Soil: Loves a deep, fertile base. We recommend mixing our Triple Mix Farm Soil (R50) into the planting hole.

 - Pollination: Self-fertile—you only need one tree to enjoy a prolific harvest.

 - Care: Very low maintenance! It is naturally resistant to most common fruit pests and diseases.

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📍 Pot & Barrel "Die Plaas" Tip:

Medlars make the most exquisite, clear amber-coloured jelly that pairs perfectly with cheese and meats. Because the tree stays relatively small (3–4 meters), it is an excellent choice for smaller suburban gardens or as a focal point in a large pot.