Few foods and drinks are considered tastier than pomegranate juice. The fruit glitters like an edible ruby. If you like pomegranate or Punica granatum in Latin, try growing the tree yourself. Although the plant is more like a shrub, you can shape it into a tree. Read step 1 to learn how to grow your own pomegranate tree.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Planting a Pomegranate Tree
Step 1. Choose the type of pomegranate to plant
Punica granatum is a small tree shaped like a shrub. This species will grow to a maximum of 2.5 meters and in summer will bloom with orange flowers. The dwarf pomegranate type "Nana" will grow shorter to a maximum height of 1 meter and is the best type to grow in a pot. You may also like the fringed flowers that grow in the "Beautiful" variety.
You can grow a pomegranate tree in several ways: planting seeds, grafting, or planting the seeds of the fruit. Growing a pomegranate tree from seed does not guarantee you will get a particular type of pomegranate and you will have to wait three to four years before the tree can produce fruit
Step 2. Plant the pomegranate tree by grafting or planting seedlings
You can buy pomegranate seeds at your local plant seed shop. If your goal is to be able to eat your own harvested pomegranate, be sure to buy a type of pomegranate seed that produces edible fruit. However, if you have a friend who grows or owns a pomegranate tree, you can also graft from the pomegranate tree. Cut the tree branches to a minimum length of 25 cm. Cover the ends of the branches with root growth hormone to help the growth process.
-
You should cut the branches for grafting in February or March, when the pomegranate plant is dormant.
Grow a Pomegranate Tree Step 2Bullet1
Step 3. Choose a sunny spot
The pomegranate tree loves sunlight and will only bear fruit regularly if it gets enough sunlight. If you don't have a spot in the yard that gets constant sunlight during the day, choose a spot that's least dark.
Step 4. Choose soil with good drainage
Pomegranate trees cannot grow in wet soil (also known as soggy feet). The best soil for growing pomegranate is soil with good drainage or sandy soil. Although pomegranate also grows well in alkaline soil, some pomegranate growers state that slightly acidic soil is best for pomegranate. In general, pomegranates will do well in the soil they are grown in, as long as it is well drained.
Step 5. Protect your pomegranate tree from wind and intense humidity
Plant your pomegranate tree in a dry place that is at least partially protected from strong winds. Avoid planting in damp, dark or wet areas. Remember that pomegranate trees grow in hot, dry climates.
Step 6. Plant your pomegranate tree
You should plant pomegranate trees in early spring. Carefully remove the pomegranate seeds from the pot. Clean the 2.5 cm end of the root ball to remove excess planting media. That way, the plant will grow faster than a plant that is simply transferred from the seedling pot to the ground. Make a hole 60 cm deep and wide and place your pomegranate seed in the hole.
If you are growing your pomegranate tree by grafting, clear the soil and plant the pomegranate branch vertically until the tip of the cut branch is about 12.7 – 15.2 cm in the soil, with the dormant shoot facing up
Part 2 of 3: Caring for a Pomegranate Tree
Step 1. Water your pomegranate tree immediately after planting
This will help adjust the soil around the newly planted pomegranate tree. After the initial watering, water your plant every few days until it grows leaves. New leaf growth is a sign that your plant is getting used to its new home. Gradually change the watering schedule to every seven to ten days.
When the tree is flowering or fruiting, water your pomegranate tree weekly. When it rains or rainy season, you don't need to water it that often
Step 2. Once it grows, give your pomegranate tree fertilizer
Ammonium sulfate fertilizers can be used and are suitable for pomegranate. Sprinkle 78 grams of fertilizer three times throughout the first year of growth (February, May and September are ideal times to do this).
Step 3. Remove any weeds growing around your pomegranate tree
You don't want grass or other plants to take away the nutrients from your pomegranate tree. Weed the pomegranate growing area or store organic mulch (degradable plant debris such as straw and reeds) around the tree. Mulch helps prevent weed growth and can simultaneously keep plants moist.
Part 3 of 3: Pruning and Caring for Pomegranate Trees
Step 1. If you wish, shape your plant into a tree-like shape
Although pomegranate trees are more dense than regular tree species, you can prune them to a tree-like shape, as most people do. Using pruning shears or pruning tools, prune the suckers (small branches that turn the tree into a thicket) that are growing at the base of the tree to give the pomegranate tree a more tree-like shape. You should do this as soon as the plant grows. If you don't care about the shape of your plant, let the pomegranate tree grow naturally.
Step 2. Clean any dead or damaged parts of the tree
While pruning isn't very important in growing a pomegranate tree, you should still trim any dead or damaged branches in the spring to help the tree grow. You can prune your tree as needed.
If you are growing your pomegranate in a pot, you will need to prune and shape it more often to keep it the desired size and shape
Step 3. Keep your pomegranate tree healthy
Avoid mold growth by making sure you don't over-water your pomegranate tree. Two other problems that can arise when growing pomegranate are aphids and butterflies. Aphids can be eradicated using an antifungal spray, which can be purchased at your local nursery or gardening supply store. Pomegranate butterflies are uncommon and shouldn't cause any problems. If you think the moth is causing problems with your pomegranate tree, use a butterfly spray to remove the larvae from your tree.
-
Although butterflies are generally harmless, the larvae of this type of butterfly grow inside the pomegranate and render the fruit inedible.
Grow a Pomegranate Tree Step 12Bullet1
Tips
- One pomegranate provides 40 percent of your daily vitamin C needs.
- Pomegranates can be consumed in many ways, including syrup, juice, fruit salad, wine, vinegar, coffee, cocktails, salad dressing and more.
