Growing Pomegranate

The very tarty flavor of pomegranate fleshy seeds (arils) that range in colors from white to pink to red to sometimes even a deep purple can be sourced from your own tree, all you need to know is basic information relating to their growth. Native to Southwest Asia, specifically Persia and the Himalayan ranges of India, it is now widely cultivated throughout the world for its fruits and juice extraction. The name pomegranate is derived from Latin words pomum and granatus meaning apple and seeded respectively. Botanically it is known as Punica granatum L.

Pomegranate

A pomegranate tree can be classified as a large rounded woody shrub or a small tree. They can be as high as 20 to 30 feet and the branching through a lateral spread which is quite compact. A few 12 to 16 ft dwarf varieties have also been introduced. Basically this fruit-bearing tree is deciduous in nature, but certain climatic locations allow the leaves to stay on. These trees live long, but there is a reduction in their fruit bearing capacity; quantity and quality wise after about 20 years. The leaves are 3 - 7 cm long, glossy, narrow and lance shaped, and arranged alternately.

Pomegranate bears attractive flowers in shades of deep red or scarlet, even white in some variegated species. The flowers are three cm in diameter, with four to five petals enclosing the numerous stamens with a red tubular calyx which is also found on the fruit when it matures. Flowers are mostly found in a cluster, a few cultivated varieties do not bear fruits, just these pretty flowers, and are often used to beautify the landscape. The pomegranate is self-pollinated as well as cross-pollinated by insects, with cross-pollination having a higher rate of 'fruit set' (yield) than self pollination.

The pomegranate fruit is nearly round with a base that appears crowned at the base by the prominent calyx. The semi hard rind of the fruit is in shades of yellow with deep crimson. When you cut open the fruit, you will find compartments packed with seeds. The seed is surrounded with sacs that are juicy, red, pink or whitish in color and tarty in flavor. The compartments are separated by white spongy and very bitter thin membranous walls.

How to Grow Pomegranate

Pomegranates thrive in full sun, so choose a location that is warmest in the landscape. Pomegranate tree naturally prefers mild temperate to subtropical climate, but is also quite adaptable to cool winters and tolerant of hot summers. The sun is needed for a good flower and fruit production. A minimum 6 - 8 hours of sunlight is necessary to ensure good growth.

Pomegranates can be propagated through seeds as well cuttings. Seeds, not only take longer to germinate, about six weeks, but usually the seedling borne of them do not come true, plus the fruits take a longer time to bear. Cuttings is preferred over seed propagation. Take a healthy hardwood cutting, 15 - 20 inches (more than one would be best), preferably from late winter to early spring, dip it in a rooting solution and push about two-thirds of their length firmly in moist rooting medium. Suckers can also be used to develop new plants, but while doing so, make sure you do not uproot harshly or dig around too close to the main roots. Pull out the sucker that is at maximum distance from the roots, and use a sharp cut to sever its contact with the main root. One can always pick a sapling from the local nursery too. Choose soil that is well-drained with a mix of some organic compost. Whether container or ground, pomegranate sapling should be grown in pits that are two feet deep and wide, and if more than one (they make pretty hedges too!), spaced at 12 to 18 feet.

Pomegranate Tree Care

Caring for this tree involves right dose of watering, fertilizing and pruning. Once you plant your sapling, water the young plant regularly to establish its roots. Once established, water it as per climatic need. Never let it dry out, pomegranate roots enjoy a good level of moisture. If your plant is indoors, ensure that your container has enough holes to drain excess water out. The roots will rot in standing water. A nitrogen-based fertilizer, for the first couple of years in spring should be sufficient to promote overall growth. An annual application of organic compost before the onset of flowers would be more than enough for an established tree.

Pruning
Pruning is essential to make the tree more bushier and to give it a strong structure, as the branches are spiny. Once the plant reaches three feet in height, prune away the main stem to promote lateral growth. Not more than six shoots should be allowed to develop, and make sure they are evenly distributed around the main stem. As they grow, this kind of training will give them a short but well-defined trunk. As the tree begins to grow, prune to encourage maximum number of new shoots on all sides, for the first three to four years. Fruits are borne on the tips of new growth. Once the tree starts to bear fruit, only remove dead, diseased and entangled branches.

Pest and Diseases
Pomegranates get infested with leaf and fruit spots caused by Aspergillus castaneus, and bugs like the thrips, white flies, mealybugs, scale insects, etc, which can be easily taken care of with a regular spray of germicides. Termites can get into the trunk and eat into the tree, killing it, so make sure you catch them before they set. Pomegranates mainly come under severe attack from the pomegranate butterfly, Virachola isocrates. This insect lays eggs on flower buds as well as the calyx of fruits, enabling them to enter the fruit through the calyx, boring holes and damaging the entire crop. Another borer; Pleuroplaconema or Ceuthospora phyllosticta gets into the twigs and drills holes right through the branches. Both these borers can kill a tree. Specific germicides are available with instructions regarding the number and quantity of the spray.

Cultivation of pomegranate trees for commercial benefit or for personal use will be rewarding, if one just provides the plant with enough attention to let it thrive well!