Pomegranate Tree Care

Pomegranate, scientific name Punica granatum, belongs to the fruit-bearing deciduous variety of shrubs and dwarf trees. The plant bears a berry type fruit in which a thick aril encloses about 600 red seeds. Pomegranate nutrition is widely studied both for therapeutic benefits and culinary usage. Clinical trials have shown that pomegranate juice reduces the risk of developing heart diseases and cancer. Including pomegranate juice in the regular diet is effective for lowering blood pressure and preventing infection. Read more on health benefits of pomegranate juice.

Though pomegranate fruits are available in the market, you can choose to plant them in your garden. Pomegranate tree growing is very easy, provided that you select the correct variety and understand the basic plant requirements. With correct plantation, you can enjoy the taste of freshly harvested pomegranate fruits. This article discusses the basic pomegranate tree care tips and favorable environmental conditions for its plantation.

Pomegranate Tree Care Instructions

Pomegranates are the best landscaping trees for dry and hot climatic conditions. Many gardening enthusiasts prefer to maintain a pomegranate garden, not only for the nutritious fruits it bears, but also for the beautiful, bright red pomegranate tree flower. There are also fruitless varieties that are planted just for the sake of the blossoming flowers. Whatever be the type of cultivar, you can refer to the following tips for pomegranate tree planting.

Select Variety
There are several pomegranate tree varieties. Purchase healthy stem cuttings (about 20 inch) with a green foliage without any signs of disease. As per your taste, you can inquire about the fruit flavor of the cultivar before buying it from the pomegranate tree nursery.

Soil Preparation
A pomegranate tree grows well in different types of soil, as long as there is proper drainage. As it adapts to both acidic and alkaline soil, soil preparation for growing pomegranates is very easy. Add adequate amounts of humus, farmyard compost and granular tree fertilizer to the existing garden soil and plant the tree saplings.

Temperature
Pomegranate trees are tolerant to mild frost. However, exposure to temperatures below 15 degrees Fahrenheit for a prolonged duration can lead to leaf damage and fall. The ideal temperature range for pomegranate tree cultivation is between 40 degrees to 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

Light
For better growth and a good harvest, select a plantation site that receives full sunlight. High temperature and heat are important for producing these juicy fruits. On the contrary, smaller and less juicy pomegranate fruits are produced if the trees are exposed to prolonged shady environments.

Watering
As mentioned earlier, pomegranate trees can tolerate long dry spells. Allow the top layer of the soil to dry between two waterings. However, for a good harvest, the plants should be deeply irrigated on a regular basis, especially during the flowering and fruiting stages.

Pruning
The first pruning should be done when the pomegranate tree reaches a height of about 2 feet. Depending upon the cultivar, a pomegranate tree height varies from four meters to eight meters. You can trim off the dead branches during cold winter months, when the trees are inactive.

Fertilizing
Fertilizing is not mandatory for pomegranate trees. However, for poor soil, you can supplement it with organic fertilizers and farmyard compost occasionally, once in three months. Do not use chemical fertilizers for the plants when the fruits are in their ripening stage.

Pests and Diseases
Most pomegranate cultivars are resistant to pests and diseases. However, under unfavorable conditions, foliar damage and spots caused by mealy bugs, white flies, thrips and scale insects are manifested. Occasionally, these insects cause fruit spots. While using insecticides and pesticides for pest control, make sure you apply them before the fruits are ripe. Read more on how to grow pomegranate.

Read more on pomegranate juice recipes.

The dwarf pomegranate tree care is the same as that of regular sized varieties. So, refer to the above maintenance tips for growing the dwarf species and bonsai forms of pomegranate trees. You can identify ripe fruits from their distinctive color. Harvest them before the pomegranate fruits are overripe or crack opened. The major advantage for growing a pomegranate tree is that it survives for many years. Hence, there is no need for immediate replacement of the trees after fruit setting.