Discovery partly blamed the recession for its decision to delay the launch.
It would not detail when it would launch, although it is understood that it is planning to start in Q4, when, according to a source: "Channel launches generally fare well."
A Discovery spokesman said: "We have made the decision to postpone the launch of Quest.
"We have not taken this decision lightly.
"The challenging economic environment and other commercial factors have made a delayed launch more financially prudent.
"We are still committed to launching a channel on Freeview during 2009."
Discovery secured its first channel slot on Freeview in October, striking a deal to license capacity from ITV-owned digital terrestrial multiplex operator SDN.
It is tight-lipped about the specific audience positioning and programming line-up of the channel, although Discovery said the channel will draw upon its library of factual, entertainment and lifestyle programming, while also including scripted acquisitions.
Discovery launched its first channel in the UK in 1989. The UK business has since increased to 12 pay-TV channels that are available through BSkyB, Virgin Media and other platforms.
In April, Discovery named Martin Heaton-Cooper, former acting managing director of UK channels at NBC Universal, as head of UK ad sales, two months after his predecessor resigned.
He replaced Andrew Grieve, who left Discovery last month to start a new job at pay-TV broadcaster, the Travel Channel.
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