Pomegranates are a rare delicacy that has always been a bit hard to get since they require a little more effort than your general plant. Their seeds are delicious; also called arils, but are not the only thing these fruits are desired for. They also have a famous reputation when it comes to their thirst-quenching juice.
In addition, dyes are made from their rind and tree flowers, which are heavily used in the textile industry. Even the leaves of the pomegranate trees provide help in making ink when they are steeped in vinegar, and insecticides are made by using the bark of the tree. Read on to find out how to grow a pomegranate tree.
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Pomegranate Tree Facts
Pomegranates have had a high status when it comes to history, natively originating from Iran. Growing through many areas in the Middle East and India, the fruit has then traveled around the world and visited several countries such as China, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Burma. The Americans got the pleasure of tasting the fruit when it was introduced to them by the Spanish missionaries in the 1500s.
The fruit belongs to the Lythraceae family and is widely enjoyed for its arils (seeds), which are wrapped up in a juicy, sweet pulp, and all of this is surrounded by leathery, smooth red to pink skin.
The seeds, if not eaten, can also be used for planting more trees of this delicious fruit. The tree not only provides you with the sweet fruit but will also make your garden or kitchen a pleasing sight with its glossy leaves and the orange-red blossoms which we get before fruiting.
There are many varieties of Pomegranate trees which include the following:
Wonderful– has a red inside with soft, juicy arils along with a red outer shell. The most popular variety of pomegranates.
Sienevyi– has large dark purple arils/ seeds, with pink skin. One of the most popular varieties.
Parfianka– contains pink arils that are similar in flavor to wine, with bright red skin.
Angel Red– a bright red fruit inside and out. A heavy fruit producer and great for juicing.
Gissarskii Rozovyi– light pink arils and skin, this fruit packs a tarty punch.
White Pomegranate: With beautiful white and light pinkish fruit and the same colored seeds, it’s hard not to be intrigued by this unique variety of pomegranate trees.
How to Grow a Pomegranate Tree in a Container
Areas that are warm and arid have the best conditions for the pomegranate tree to thrive. Now, if you don’t live in these desirable climatic regions, fret not, as we bring good news for you.
These delicacies can be grown in a pot. It is entirely possible to grow pomegranate indoors provided it receives sufficient arid provisions. When outside temperature start to decline, you can move the plant back indoors.
A container that can house your pomegranate tree should be around 38 L or 10 gallons, which will be filled around one quarter with potting soil. When you plant the pomegranate, you should start filling the soil around the roots until you reach the top of the container, but be sure to leave the trunk out. For proper pomegranate tree care, the tree should be watered well, and air pockets should be removed by lightly tamping down the soil and then placed in full sun.
Another benefit is that only one tree is required for fruit production since pomegranates are self-pollinating. You can expect the fruit by the second year as pomegranates are known to be hardy.
Steps to Growing Pomegranate Trees
Follow these steps and get the perfect pomegranate tree:
1. The soil should have a pH ranging from 5.5 to 7.0, and the light conditions should vary from full sunlight to limited shade.
2. Keep in mind the tree needs 50 to 60 inches of water per year, so first check if your tree is getting enough water from rainy days; if not, then you should provide the tree an essential amount of water every 7 to 10 days. Keep an eye on your soil as it must remain evenly moist during the end of summer to the starting of early fall, which will eliminate the chances of the fruit splitting.
3. The tree, when young, needs 2 to 2 1/2 pounds of 8-8-8 fertilizer in March and November. Its recommended, though, to avoid chemical fertilizer when the tree matures and instead use manure or compost as a natural fertilizer.
4. Your tree needs proper pruning in the earlier years. Remove everything, leaving 4 or 5 shots, which are the healthiest among the rest when the tree reaches a height of two feet tall. After your tree reaches the three-year mark, the only pruning it needs is the removal of dead branches and that also occasionally.
5. Pests plague most plants and trees, aphids when it comes to pomegranate trees, so be sure to keep your tree free of them. Ladybug beetles can help and is an insecticide-free way of controlling aphids.
6. Once your fruit reaches the size of 2 to 5 inches and has a purplish-red or reddish brown color, you know your hard work has paid off, and it’s time for harvesting.
Pomegranate Tree Fertilizing
You might have heard when growing delicious pomegranates you don’t need fertilizer for the pomegranate tree to grow. This is true as the pomegranate tree does not require fertilizer but keep a sharp eye out. If your tree is not doing so well, such as the production of fruit is minimal, then don’t hold off and get fertilizer for your pomegranate tree.
If you are not sure about how your tree is doing, questioning yourself if it needs fertilizer or not, then get a sample of your soil and take it to your nearest local Extension office. They will provide services such as soil testing, or if unfortunately they cannot, they will, for sure, recommend a place which can.