Pomegranate

Pomegranate is a woody, deciduous, perennial shrub or tree native from northeast Turkey to Afghanistan. It is grown for its red-skinned fruit and its showy flowers, which attract hummingbirds. Plants usually grow 10 to 12 feet (305 to 366 cm) tall and 8 to 10 feet (244 to 305 cm) wide, though some descriptions give larger sizes for trees grown in the ground.

Sow seed in spring at about 55 to 64 °F (13 to 18 °C). Seed-grown plants may not be true to type, so many growers use cuttings instead. Cuttings of one-year-old wood, about 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm) long, are taken in late winter and placed in warm rooting media.

Plant outdoors in full sun in a well-drained soil. Pomegranate grows in partial shade to full sun, but it needs full sun for the best fruit. Leave 10 to 12 feet (305 to 366 cm) between plants when growing for home use. Fruit needs warm autumn temperatures of 55 to 61 °F (13 to 16 °C) to ripen. Plants usually survive winter, but they can be killed back to the ground below 10 °F (-12 °C).

During growth, water well and apply a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly. Water sparingly in winter. Once established, plants tolerate drought, but fruiting plants need regular deep watering, about every 7 to 10 days. Mulch helps keep soil moisture steady between waterings.

Prune in late winter or early spring, because the plant blooms on new growth. Thin the inner foliage and remove suckers to improve airflow, and avoid heavy pruning, which reduces fruit.

Caterpillars, whiteflies, mealybugs and scale may be present. Leaf spot, fruit blotch and root rot may occur. Honey fungus rarely affects this plant. Fruit cracking is often reported in home gardens, and regular watering is the best way to prevent it.

In the Southeast, pomegranates often fail to fruit reliably, mostly because of poor pollination and humid weather. Gardening experts recommend planting at least two plants for better cross-pollination, though one plant can be enough.

Fruit is produced in fall. Choose fruit that feels heavy for its size and has no cracks or splits. Harvest before the fruit is overripe, even a little early, to avoid splitting.

Whole fruit keeps at room temperature for a few days, or in the refrigerator in plastic bags for up to 3 months. Fruit may store for 6 to 7 months at 32 to 41 °F (0 to 5 °C) with humidity around 80%.