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Pomegranates need plenty of sun to thrive and produce fruit. Look for an area that gets at least 6 hours of direct sun. Good drainage is crucial for pomegranate trees, but they tolerate almost any soil, even poor or alkaline ones. Plant pomegranates in a hole as deep as the nursery pot and twice as wide.
How long does it take for a pomegranate tree to bear fruit?
The blooming period is relatively long for pomegranates (April–June), but later-blooming flowers may not have time to develop into fully ripe fruit. Fruit ripening takes around six to seven months for most pomegranates, so flowers blooming in April and May should be ready between Halloween and Thanksgiving.
Where do pomegranate trees grow best?
The optimal growing areas for this fruit are USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 7 to 10. They appreciate cool winters and hot, dry summers. They thrive when growing season temperatures are above 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Pomegranate trees are more cold tolerant than citrus trees, but the levels vary depending on the cultivar.
Can I grow pomegranate at home?
Pomegranate seeds usually germinate pretty easily, and they can be started indoors over the winter for planting outside in the spring. Plant the seeds no more than ¼” deep in lightweight, seed-starting potting soil. Put the pot in a sunny, warm window, and keep the soil moist as your seeds germinate and grow.
Do you need two pomegranate trees to produce fruit?
Most pomegranates are self-fruitful, meaning they do not require another tree to cross-pollinate with, as the bees do all the work. That said, planting another pomegranate nearby can increase fruit production on both plants. A little cross-pollination doesn’t hurt, but it isn’t necessary.
How long does it take for pomegranate seeds to grow?
These seeds will germinate at normal room temperature in about 30-40 days. Bring the soil temperature up a few degrees and you can cut this time in half. Try surrounding your plant with foil and placing it in direct sun until the seedlings sprout.
Do pomegranates grow true from seed?
Growing pomegranate (Punica granatum) from seed is possible but not necessarily desirable. Propagation by cuttings is the more reliable method, as the cuttings will retain the characteristics of the parent plant.
How long do pomegranate seeds take to germinate?
The aril is that glassy red pulp that surrounds the seed and is the source of pomegranate juice. Arils left on the seed become mildewy and prevent germination. Be patient, since the seeds take four to six weeks to sprout. You can create an orchard and vegetable garden from the seeds of grocery produce.
Can pomegranate grow in pots?
The pomegranate tree is fairly small—its dwarf varieties grow as low as two feet high—and can flourish in pots, making it a good option for container gardeners.
Is it hard to grow pomegranates?
They are easy to grow. Pomegranate trees are drought tolerant and do not need much water to grow. Fertilizing in the spring is helpful but not required. They are naturally adapted to Mediterranean regions with cool winters and hot summers and are especially suited for California gardens.
Is a pomegranate a tree or bush?
Naturally, pomegranates are a multi-trunk shrub. However, they can be pruned into a single or mult-trunk tree. Either way, the number of trunks should be limited from three to six, otherwise fruit production may suffer.
Can pomegranate tree survive winter?
Pomegranates produce their best fruit in regions of cool winters and hot, dry summers. Suitable for USDA zones 8-11, pomegranate tree care in winter means moving the plant indoors, especially if they grow in an area with poor cold air circulation or heavy soil.
How big does a pomegranate tree get?
The pomegranate grows to a height of 12–20′ and a spread of 12–20′ at maturity.
Are coffee grounds good for pomegranate trees?
You can use either homemade compost or store-bought fertilizer for pomegranate trees. Depending on your soil quality and environment, you may see better success with one over the other or with a mix of the two. If you choose to make your own, add plenty of scraps from leafy greens and any coffee grounds you have.
Is there a male and female pomegranate tree?
Pomegranates (Punica granatum) are monoecious plants. Monoecious is a flowering term that means it has both male (pollen-forming) and female (ovary- and fruit-forming) reproductive organs on the same plant. The individual flowers can be perfect, meaning both male and female parts are found together in a single flower.
Do pomegranate trees attract bees?
The pomegranate requires bees for pollination; without proper pollination, your tree will not produce fruit. Basil, thyme and summer savory also attract bees. It can be especially helpful to allow herbs to flower, because introducing a spectrum of color into your garden keeps bees returning to the area.
Can you eat pomegranate leaves?
There are several ways to incorporate pomegranate leaves into your diet. You can use young leaves as a salad, in green smoothie or juice. One of the best ways is to make pomegranate leaves tea – fresh or dried. Take few pomegranate leaves that have been washed and boil them in water.
Do pomegranates continue to ripen after being picked?
While the pomegranates don’t ripen further after they’re picked, the arils will get sweeter as the pomegranates age. If a pomegranate has split to reveal the arils inside, you will need to eat up the pomegranate quickly. Mold has a way of setting in once the fruit has opened, even just a little.
How much water do pomegranates need?
For best growth and production, pomegranates should receive at least one inch of water a week. During dry spells, water is mandatory. If not properly watered during dry spells, fruit may drop prematurely. Pomegranates tend to be bushy and sucker from the root.
