Pomegranate bush or small tree of the family Lythraceae and its fruit. The juicy arils of the fruit are eaten fresh, and the juice is the source of grenadine syrup, used in flavourings and liqueurs. Pomegranate is high in dietary fibre, folic acid, vitamin C, and vitamin K.
The plant, which may attain 16 or 23 feet in height, has elliptic to lance-shaped, bright-green leaves about 3 inches long. The handsome axillary orange-red flowers are borne toward the ends of the branchlets. The calyx is tubular and persistent and has five to seven lobes; the petals are lance-shaped, inserted between the calyx lobes. The ovary is embedded in the calyx tube and contains several compartments in two series, one above the other.
The fruit is the size of a large orange, obscurely six-sided, with a smooth leathery skin that ranges from brownish yellow to red; within, it is divided into several chambers containing many thin transparent arils of reddish, juicy pulp, each surrounding an angular elongated seed.
While the pomegranate is considered indigenous to Iran and neighbouring countries, its cultivation long ago encircled the Mediterranean and extended through the Arabian Peninsula, Afghanistan, and India. It is commonly cultivated in the Americas from the warmer parts of the United States to Chile.
Though the pomegranate grows in a wide range of climates, good fruit is produced only where high temperatures and dry atmosphere accompany the ripening period. Deep, rather heavy loams appear to be the best soils.
This amazing fruit tree is best grown in zones 7 to 10. It is thought to come from Iran initially.
Pomegranate shrubs may be grown in part shade as necessary but ideally should be placed somewhere with as much sun and warmth as possible.
Growing Tips
The pomegranate does best in well-drained soil, though it is able to thrive in a wide variety of soils from acid loam to alkaline soil.
The pomegranate shrub is drought tolerant, though irrigation is needed for proper fruit production, per the California Rare Fruit Growers (CRFG). Water every two to four weeks during the dry season when you are establishing new shrubs.
Fertilize in November and March for the first two years. Otherwise, not much fertilizer is usually needed in subsequent years.
Propagation is through cuttings taken in winter and air layering. Seeds may be used, but varieties may not stay true.
Propagation by Seeds
In this case you’ll need to buy as ripe pomegranates as possible. Remove the seeds from the pulp and clean them well by rubbing with paper towel. Let the seeds dry for a few days before sowing.
Plant the seeds in light seed-starting mix. Be careful not to plant them more than ¼ inches deep. Find a bright location for the pots and place them there. For example, in a plastic bag or green-house which can maintain temperature around 68F (20 0 C). Water the soil regularly.
Depending on the variety and climate you should expect for the seeds to germinate within a period of 1-6 weeks.
Propagation by Cuttings
You’ll need a few 8-10 long cuttings. Place the cutting in a well drained potting mix. The cuttings will root quickly and easily at temperatures of 20 0 C and high humidity.
Note: For those of you who live in places with tropical climate, you can grow pomegranates really easy in any season that you like, except peak summer. Read further to find out what you’ll need to plant and grow pomegranates.
Pests & Diseases
- Pomegranate shrubs are one of the easier fruits to work with since they are not usually affected by many pests or diseases.
- Possible pests may include pomegranate butterfly, thrips, scale, mealy bugs, and whiteflies. Deer will sometimes eat the leaves, and occasionally gophers will chew on the roots.
- Diseases include leaf spot, fruit spot, twig dieback, dry rot, and soft rot.