QA

Quick Answer: How To Care For Pomegranate Tree

Pomegranates need full sun. Keep an eye on the weather report and if temps threaten to drop below 40 degrees F. (4 C.), move the plant indoors to a sunny window. Water the tree deeply about once a week, possibly more often during peak summer months.

How long does it take for a pomegranate tree to bear fruit?

The blooming period is relatively long for pomegranates (April–June), but later-blooming flowers may not have time to develop into fully ripe fruit. Fruit ripening takes around six to seven months for most pomegranates, so flowers blooming in April and May should be ready between Halloween and Thanksgiving.

How do I get my pomegranate tree to produce fruit?

To set fruit, the drought-tolerant pomegranate requires additional irrigation and fertilizer. They appreciate a soil pH of 5.5-7 and as is common with most plants, will benefit from a layer of organic mulch. To achieve higher production levels of pomegranate fruiting, plant in full sun.

How often should I water a pomegranate tree?

For best growth and production, pomegranates should receive at least one inch of water a week. During dry spells, water is mandatory. If not properly watered during dry spells, fruit may drop prematurely. Pomegranates tend to be bushy and sucker from the root.

What is the best fertilizer for pomegranate trees?

A pomegranate tree needs adequate nitrogen for best growth, because nitrogen supports growth of foliage and production of flowers that eventually set fruit. You can use ammonium sulfate, a high-nitrogen fertilizer, or a balanced 10-10-10 formula, starting in spring after the tree begins to show new growth.

Do pomegranate trees need a lot of sun?

Pomegranate trees need lots of sunshine every day to thrive, so make sure your tree’s container is in full sun. If necessary (though it isn’t ideal), they can tolerate partial shade.

Do you need two pomegranate trees to produce fruit?

Most pomegranates are self-fruitful, meaning they do not require another tree to cross-pollinate with, as the bees do all the work. That said, planting another pomegranate nearby can increase fruit production on both plants. A little cross-pollination doesn’t hurt, but it isn’t necessary.

Are coffee grounds good for pomegranate trees?

You can use either homemade compost or store-bought fertilizer for pomegranate trees. Depending on your soil quality and environment, you may see better success with one over the other or with a mix of the two. If you choose to make your own, add plenty of scraps from leafy greens and any coffee grounds you have.

Why is my pomegranate tree flowering but not fruiting?

The pomegranate is both self-pollinated and cross-pollinated by insects. There is very little wind dispersal of pollen so most of the pollination is done by bees. So, if you have a pomegranate tree that is not producing fruit, the most likely explanation is a lack of pollinators.

Can you over water a pomegranate tree?

Just don’t expect as much fruit. Too much water during the fall season, when fruit is ripening, can cause fruit splitting as well. The idea is to maintain even soil moisture throughout the fall season as in the summer – not too wet or too dry.

Why are my pomegranate fruit falling off?

There are a number of reasons for pomegranate flower drop. Male pomegranate flowers fall off naturally as do un-fertilized female blooms, while fertilized female flowers remain to become fruit. Pests: Pomegranate trees begin to flower in May and continue through early autumn.

Why is my pomegranate tree dying?

Pomegranate trees can survive long periods of drought, but prolonged water restriction can lead to pomegranate leaves falling off and entire plant death. Make sure you irrigate your pomegranates adequately. Pests can also cause pomegranate leaf loss.

How do you improve pomegranates?

Pomegranates thrive in soils with a pH range from 6.0-7.0, so basically acidic soil. If the soil results indicate the soil needs to be more acidic, apply chelated iron, soil sulfur or aluminum sulfate. Nitrogen is the most important element that pomegranates need and the plants may need to be fertilized accordingly.

Can you use citrus fertilizer on pomegranate?

Your second question was whether you can use citrus fertilizer on your pomegranate tree. Pomegranates prefer a neutral to slightly acidic soil- a pH of 5.5 to 7.0. Citrus prefer a more acidic soil, at a pH of 4.5 to 5.5. Packaged citrus fertilizer mixes will tend to increase the acidity of the soil (i.e. lower the pH).

What does Epsom salt do for fruit trees?

For fruit trees, Epsom salt supports the absorption of vital nutrients increasing fruit production and sweetness. Because of this, low harvest or fruit that isn’t sweet can also indicate a need for more magnesium.

Can pomegranates grow in shade?

Pomegranate plants are easy to grow and require little maintenance once established. They perform best when planted in full sun, but will flower and fruit sporadically in partial shade. They are adaptable to most SC soils, prefer a soil pH of 5.5 to 7.0 and require good soil drainage.

Are pomegranate trees Hardy?

Very cold hardy and very productive. These pomegranate trees are sweet, juicy and can survive temperatures down to 5 degrees in zones 6-9. Plus they produce an abundance of beautiful bright orange flowers over an extended period of time during the spring. Both the flowers and the fruit are produced at a very young age.

How big does a pomegranate tree get?

The pomegranate grows to a height of 12–20′ and a spread of 12–20′ at maturity.