Pomegranate Care Guide

Pomegranates (Punica granatum) are hardy (to about 2ºF from the ground up), drought-tolerant fruiting plants that thrive in warm climates but can also be successfully grown in cooler regions when given proper care. Russian fruit breeders have introduced varieties increasing the adaptability to colder regions..

Light & Temperature Requirements

Light: Pomegranates need full sun to thrive and produce abundant fruit.

Temperature: Pomegranates are tolerant of heat and drought, but they do need a period of cooler weather to bloom and fruit properly. In USDA hardiness zones 7-10, pomegranates grow best outdoors.

Watering

Frequency: Pomegranates are drought-tolerant once established but will need regular watering during the growing season, especially while fruiting.

In the Ground: Once established, pomegranates in the ground are drought-tolerant and can be watered deeply every 2-3 weeks, which is usually not necessary unless it has not rained.

Fertilizing

Fertilizer Type: Pomegranates benefit from balanced fertilization. Use a slow-release fertilizer or a balanced mix like 10-10-10 during the growing season. You can also use organic fertilizers like compost, well-rotted manure, or fish emulsion.

Fertilizing Schedule:

Spring & Fall: Apply fertilizer in early spring when new growth begins,in fall (only use slow release organic fertilizer) after harvest to support the tree through the cooler months.
Avoid Fertilizing in Winter: Pomegranates typically go dormant in winter, so avoid fertilizing during this period.

Signs of Nutrient Deficiency:

Yellowing leaves: This can indicate a nitrogen deficiency or poor drainage.
Fruit production issues: If your plant isn’t producing much fruit, it might need more phosphorus or potassium. A high-quality, balanced fertilizer should correct this.

Pruning & Training

Pruning: Pomegranates are naturally bushy, multi-stemmed shrubs that can be trained into small trees, with a few select stems. . In the first few years, encourage the development of 2-4 main stems by cutting back excess ground branching. As the tree matures, prune it annually to:

Remove dead or damaged wood
Shape the plant for better airflow and sunlight penetration, keeping the middle opened.
Promote new growth, which helps improve fruit production

Pest & Disease Control

Pomegranates are relatively pest-resistant but may occasionally attract pests like aphids, mealybugs, and fruit flies. These pests can damage the leaves, flowers, and fruit.

Common Pests:

Aphids & Mealybugs: These sap-sucking insects can be controlled with insecticidal soap or a homemade solution of water and dish soap. Spray affected areas weekly until the issue is resolved.
Fruit Flies: Use yellow sticky traps around the plant to catch adult flies, and remove any fallen fruit to prevent larvae from developing.

Diseases: Pomegranates can suffer from fungal diseases like Botrytis (gray mold), particularly if grown in too much shade or humidity. Prune regularly to ensure good airflow, and avoid wetting the foliage when watering. At bloom time, rainy weather can induce Anthracnose infection to the bloom causing the fruit to have the disease as part of the maturing fruit.

Harvesting Pomegranates

Pomegranates are typically ready to harvest in late fall, depending on the variety and local climate. Here's how to tell when your pomegranate is ripe:

Signs of Ripe Fruit:

Color: The skin should be a rich red, pink, or yellowish color, depending on the variety.
Sound: Tap the fruit gently. A ripe pomegranate will produce a hollow sound.
Firmness: The fruit should be firm but heavy for its size, indicating that the seeds are full of juice.

We pick one around the time they look mature. Here at Edible that's about the first week of October.

To harvest, use pruning shears to cut the fruit from the tree, leaving a short stem attached to prevent damage to the fruit.

Eating the Fruit: Cut the pomegranate in half and gently tap the back to release the arils (the edible seeds). Alternatively, you can break the fruit open by hand and remove the seeds by peeling away the tough outer skin.

Winter Care & Growing in Cooler Climates

If you live in a colder climate (zones 7 or lower).

Winter Protection:

Trunk Protection: In very cold climates, apply a mixture of 50% latex paint and 50% water to the trunk to prevent sunscald, which can occur when sudden temperature changes damage the fruit's skin.
Wind Protection: Plant your pomegranate in a sheltered spot to protect it from harsh winds that can dry out the tree.

Final Tips

Low Maintenance: Pomegranates are relatively low-maintenance once established and are drought-tolerant. They require minimal care, making them an excellent addition to your garden or patio.
Ornamental & Edible: Pomegranates are both beautiful ornamental plants and productive fruit trees, with antioxidant-rich, delicious fruit.
Sun & Drainage: For the best results, plant pomegranates in sunny, well-drained locations and protect them from extreme cold in colder climates.

By following these guidelines, you can enjoy the beauty and bounty of pomegranates, whether as an ornamental addition to your garden or as a fruiting plant producing delicious, healthy fruit!

Pomegranate Care Guide