How to Grow Pomegranates

The pomegranate plant is botanically known as the Punica granatum. Among the fruit bearing plants it is classified as a deciduous shrub. It grows to a height of between 5 feet to 8 feet. The pomegranate is native to the Asian continent. It thrives in the monsoon, Mediterranean tropical and sub tropical regions. The pomegranate plants are basically cultivated for their delicious fruits. These plants can also be cultivated in gardens, not only because of their fruits, but also because of their beautiful flowers. There are many cultivars and varieties of the pomegranate plant. Some of the cultivars are also used as bonsai plants. Due to it size and adaptability, a pomegranate tends have a healthy growth in most of the regions of the world. It can be pruned very easily according to the available space in the garden, and its overgrowth can also be easily prevented. The fruit of the plant and the plant itself have several medical properties too. Being a shrub, the pomegranate also makes a very good garden plant.

Here are a few simple steps that will help in planting your own pomegranate plant.

Step 1
The best and the most healthy pomegranate plant grows from a pomegranate plant cutting. Purchase this cutting, preferably from a nursery, during the months of February or March. The cutting should be about 12 to 20 inches long.

Step 2
The next step is to choose an appropriate place in your garden to plant the cutting. The pomegranate plant grows in almost any type of soil, that has reasonable draining of water. It is also advisable that you plant it in a spot where sunlight is abundant. A pomegranate plant planted in a shady corner shows stunted growth.

Step 3
Actually planting the cutting is very simple. All you have to do is make a deep hole in the ground and bury two-thirds of the pomegranate cutting in the soil. Water the cutting every two days till it settles down and becomes secure in the soil. After this period reduce the watering to once a week.

Step 4
Maintaining the pomegranate plant till it starts bearing fruit is very essential. It also requires nutrition through fertilizers. It is advisable to use the 8-8-8 fertilizer (fertilizer with a combination of 8% of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) according to its weight. A young pomegranate plant requires 2 lbs of fertilizer while a grown plant requires about 4 lbs of fertilizer.

Step 5
The most awaited moment of your effort in planting and tending the pomegranate plant comes when it is time to harvest the plump pomegranates. The best time to harvest the fruit is when it is about 5 inches in diameter. The color of a ripe pomegranate varies according to its variety ranging from deep red to deep pink. Note that a ripe fruit has a hard covering, that makes a solid and metal-like sound when tapped softly.

Pomegranate plants form beautiful garden foliage and also bear very good fruits. If you live in a cold region, this plant can also be planted in pots or tins. In such cases, let the plant remain outside during the warmer period of the year, and bring it indoors during the winters. Make sure that you keep it near a glass door or a window, so that it is sufficiently exposed to sunlight.

It is very important that the pomegranate plant receives timely water, nutrition and sunlight. This will ensure that it bears good quality fruit and remain a healthy plant.