How to Plant a Pomegranate Tree

Select the right type of pomegranate. Punica granatum is a small tree that produces delicious fruit. The tree can grow up to about 2.5 meters tall, with orange flowers blooming throughout the summer. The dwarf variety "Nana" is shorter, reaching only about 1 meter, and is the best variety for growing in pots. You may also be attracted to the lacy flowers of the "Beautiful" variety of pomegranate.

• Consider the climate when choosing a pomegranate variety to plant. Most varieties do not tolerate temperatures below -9.5°C.
• There are several ways to grow a pomegranate: from seedlings, cuttings, or seeds. Growing a pomegranate from seeds does not guarantee you will get the desired variety, and you will need to wait three to four years before the tree bears fruit. To learn how to germinate pomegranate seeds, you can check out Mytour's articles.

Find cuttings or seedlings. You can purchase pomegranate seedlings from nurseries. Be sure to select a variety that produces edible fruit if you wish to enjoy home-grown pomegranates. However, if you know someone who already grows pomegranate trees, you could also take a cutting from their plant. Cut a branch at least 25 cm long and coat the cut end with rooting hormone to encourage root development.

• Take cuttings in February or March, while the tree is still dormant.

Choose a sunny spot. Pomegranates thrive in sunlight and will only bear good fruit if they receive enough of it. If no area in your yard gets full sun all day, opt for a spot with the least shade.

Select well-draining soil. Pomegranate trees do not tolerate waterlogged soil. They grow best in well-drained soil, even sandy soil. Some growers believe that slightly acidic soil is ideal for pomegranates, although they also thrive in moderately alkaline soil. In general, pomegranates adapt well to most soils as long as the drainage is good.

Protect the tree from wind and high humidity. Plant pomegranates in a warm, dry location, and make sure they are shielded from strong winds. Avoid planting in damp, dark, or humid areas. Remember that pomegranates prefer hot and dry climates.

Plant the pomegranate tree. Plant the pomegranate tree in early spring, after the last frost. Gently remove the seedling from its pot and wash about 2.5 cm of soil from the roots. This helps the tree establish roots more quickly than if you plant it with the entire soil ball. Dig a hole about 60 cm wide and 60 cm deep, then place the seedling in the hole.

• If you're planting from a cutting, loosen the soil and insert the cutting about 12-15 cm deep, with the sprout facing upward.
• Additionally, be sure to apply a rooting hormone around the base to promote root growth.

Water the tree immediately after planting. This helps compact the soil around the newly planted pomegranate. Continue watering daily until the tree starts sprouting its first leaves. The appearance of leaves indicates that the tree has started to take root and adapt to its new environment. Gradually switch to watering every 7-10 days.

• Once the tree blooms or bears fruit, water thoroughly once a week. However, you may reduce watering if it rains frequently.

Fertilize once the tree has rooted. Pomegranate trees respond well to ammonium sulfate. In the first year, apply fertilizer three times, about 1/3 cup each time, during the ideal months of February, May, and September.

Remove weeds around the pomegranate tree. It's important not to let weeds and other plants compete with your pomegranate tree. It may be difficult to weed around the tree when it's still young and bushy. Pull out weeds or apply an organic mulch around the tree's base. Mulch will help prevent weeds while retaining moisture for the tree.

Trim the pomegranate tree into a tree form if desired. While a pomegranate tree will naturally grow more like a shrub than a tree if left unpruned, you can still shape it to have a tree-like appearance. This is a common task for many gardeners.

• Use pruning shears or branch cutters to remove side shoots (the smallest branches that give the tree a bushy look) that grow near the base of the tree to encourage a more tree-like shape. It's best to do this after the tree has rooted.
• If you don't mind your pomegranate tree growing in a natural shape, simply let it grow freely.

Remove dead or damaged branches. While regular pruning isn't always necessary for the pomegranate tree, cutting away dead or damaged branches in spring is a good idea to help the tree thrive. You can also trim the tree if it starts becoming too dense.

• If you're growing the pomegranate in a pot, more frequent pruning and shaping will be needed to maintain the desired size and form of the tree.

Maintain the health of your pomegranate tree. Avoid overwatering to prevent mold growth. Two other common issues with pomegranates are aphids and butterflies. Aphids can be controlled with insecticidal sprays available at nurseries or garden stores. You can also use integrated pest control methods to eliminate aphids, such as attracting ladybugs, spraying water to dislodge them, or even purchasing predatory insects. Butterfly infestations on pomegranates are rare and typically not a major concern. If they do appear, use an insecticide to eliminate both larvae and adults.

• Pomegranates can be used in a variety of ways, such as making syrups, juices, salads, wine, vinegar, coffee, cocktails, salad dressings, and many other dishes.
• One pomegranate provides 40% of your daily vitamin C requirement.