How to Grow and Care for Pomegranate

Advertisements

Pomegranate shrubs are one of the easiest fruits to keep since they are usually not affected by many pests or diseases. The fruits are full of antioxidants and are thought to have many health benefits. The scientific name assigned to this shrub is Punica granatum. It used to have its own family, Punicaceae, but studies have shown that it is part of the Lythraceae family. The name used for this fruiting shrub is Pomegranate. It is sometimes misspelled as Pomegranate.

The Pomegranate can range from a dwarf shrub of 3 feet (90 cm) to a small tree of 20 to 30 feet (6 to 9 m). The average size of a standard Pomegranate shrub is 12 to 16 feet (3.6 to 4.8 m) tall with a round shape. If you want a short version, choose the 'Nana' variety. The leaves are glossy and have a narrow, lance shape. They are deciduous in most places, but they may be evergreen in warmer climates. The flowers are tube-shaped and over 1 inch (2.5 cm) long. They are a brilliant scarlet red and are very attractive to hummingbirds. The flowers are self-pollinating, though fertility is improved through cross-pollination. The Pomegranate fruit is approximately 2.5 to 5 inches (6 to 13 cm) wide. It has a red, leathery rind. Each seed is encased in pulp and sectioned off by walls.

Harvest when the color has developed and makes a metallic sound when tapped. Use a pair of pruning shears to cut the stem above the fruit instead of pulling it off. They can be stored for a long time if kept around 32 to 40 ºF (0 to 4.5 ºC).

Growing Conditions

Light: Pomegranate shrubs may be grown in part shade as necessary, but ideally should be placed somewhere with as much sun and warmth as possible.
Water: The Pomegranate is drought tolerant, though irrigation is needed for proper fruit production, per the California Rare Fruit Growers. Water every 2 to 4 weeks during the dry season when you establish new shrubs.
Hardiness Zones: The optimal areas for this fruit are USDA Hardiness Zones 7-10. It is thought to have come from Iran initially.
Soil: The Pomegranate does best in well-drained soil, though it can thrive in a wide variety of soils, from acid loam to alkaline soil.
Fertilizer: Fertilize in November and March for the first two years. Otherwise, not much fertilizer is usually needed in subsequent years.

Design Tips

The Pomegranate shrub is somewhat drought tolerant and also salt tolerant. It is perfect for the sunniest and warmest locations in the yard that might scorch other plants. Pomegranate flowers can be used along with other annuals, perennials, shrubs, and trees that attract hummingbirds. Pomegranate is a popular choice for bonsai. The bark is a red-brown color, and branches may have spines.

Propagation

Propagation is through cuttings taken in winter and air layering. Seeds may be used, but varieties may not stay true.

Pruning

Pomegranates are prone to producing suckers, so remove them as they appear.

Pruning procedures: Cut the Pomegranate back once it is 2 feet (60 cm) high. Allow 4 to 5 shoots to develop about 1 foot (30 cm) above ground. Keep shortening the branches for the first three years to encourage shoot development. Fruit only develops where there is new growth. After three years, prune away dead, damaged, or diseased branches.

Pests and Diseases

Pomegranate shrubs are one of the easier fruits to work with since they are not usually affected by many pests or diseases. Possible pests may include pomegranate butterflies, thrips, scale, mealybugs, and whiteflies. Deer will sometimes eat the leaves, and occasionally, gophers chew on the roots. Diseases include leaf spot, fruit spot, twig dieback, dry rot, and soft rot.

Additional Facts

Some believe that the fruit in the Garden of Eden was a pomegranate.

In Greek mythology, Persephone was kidnapped and taken to the Underworld to be Hades' (God of Underworld) bride. She was rescued and allowed to leave on the condition that she had not eaten anything down there.

However, she had eaten part of a Pomegranate while down there, so she spent eternity living among the mortal for half the year and the Underworld for the other half.

Source: about.com