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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?
Pomegranates grow best in areas with cool, mild winters and hot, arid summers, thriving in USDA growing zones 8 to 10. That means warm, inland areas of California, Arizona, and similar climates in the US will produce the most fruit.
Are pomegranate trees hard to grow?
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.
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.
Do pomegranate trees produce fruit every year?
In addition, the pomegranate tree loses its vigor after 15 years or so, although some cultivars may live hundreds of years. The fruit of the pomegranate is harvested from October to January.
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 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.
How do you look after a pomegranate tree?
It is very drought resistant but grows better with a good supply of water; it also tolerates a period of wet feet. Pomegranates prefer well-drained loam, pH 5.5 – 7, but tolerate considerable amounts of alkalinity and sodium in the soil. It should be mulched annually with rotted manure or compost.
Can you grow your own pomegranate?
You sure can! Pomegranate seeds usually germinate pretty easily, and they can be started indoors over the winter for planting outside in the spring. Allow the seeds to dry for a few days to keep them from rotting. Plant the seeds no more than ¼” deep in lightweight, seed-starting potting soil.
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 do you grow pomegranates in your backyard?
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.
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.
Why are there no pomegranates on my tree?
The pomegranate is both self-pollinated and cross-pollinated by insects. This means you only need one pomegranate bush or tree to get fruit. So, if you have a pomegranate tree that is not producing fruit, the most likely explanation is a lack of pollinators.
Why is my pomegranate tree not blooming?
Inadequate light levels are a central reason pomegranate plants fail to produce any flowers. A garden exposure that provides at least 8 to 10 hours of direct sun rays daily, especially from spring to fall is a necessity. The more sun and the warmer the growing season’s temperatures, the better.
What is the best fertilizer for pomegranate trees?
A pomegranate tree needs adequate nitrogen for best growth, because nitrogen supports growth of foliage and production of flowers that eventually set fruit. You can use ammonium sulfate, a high-nitrogen fertilizer, or a balanced 10-10-10 formula, starting in spring after the tree begins to show new growth.
