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Questions about how to plant a pomegranate seed show up quite frequently lately. The apple-sized fruit is now a regular addition to the fresh fruit department at the grocery, where once it was only seen during the winter holidays.
Along with the rise in popularity in recent years, seeing the abundance of seeds that lie beneath that ruby skin is enough to make any gardener wonder about growing pomegranate from seeds.
Pomegranates are one of the most delicious and nutritious fruits on the planet. Their sweet-tart flavor and vibrant red juice have made them popular around the world. While you can easily buy pomegranates at the grocery store, growing your own pomegranate tree from a seed can be an extremely rewarding experience
In this complete guide we will cover everything you need to know about growing a pomegranate tree from seed including choosing the right seed, germination techniques, transplanting, optimal growing conditions, and care. With just a little time and effort, you can enjoy homegrown pomegranates year after year.
Selecting a Ripe Pomegranate with Viable Seeds
The first step is choosing a ripe pomegranate fruit with healthy, mature seeds that are likely to germinate. Look for fruits that are heavy for their size with leathery, deep red skin free of blemishes or cracks. Avoid selecting pomegranates with soft spots or mold growth, as the seeds inside may not be fully developed.
Once you have a suitable pomegranate, carefully break it open and remove the arils – the juicy red seed casings. Discard any underdeveloped or discolored arils. Rinse the plump red arils and allow them to dry fully before extracting the seeds. Examine the seeds and select only those that appear mature, with a light brown papery husk covering a white inner seed. These are the ones most likely to sprout.
Effective Germination Techniques for Pomegranate Seeds
Pomegranate seeds have a tough outer coat that needs to be softened to allow moisture penetration and trigger germination. Here are two effective techniques:
Method 1 – Paper Towel: Place seeds between moist paper towels and put them in a sealed plastic bag. Keep the paper towels moist by spraying with water as needed. Maintain temperatures of 70-80°F. Check seeds daily for sprouting.
Method 2 – Direct Sowing: Plant seeds 1⁄4-1⁄2 inch deep in pots filled with well-draining seed starting mix. Water lightly and cover pots with plastic to retain moisture. Provide bottom heat of 70-80°F using a heat mat or by placing pots on top of a refrigerator.
Using either approach, expect sprouting to occur within 4-8 weeks. Be patient, as some seeds may take longer. Remove the plastic covering once sprouts emerge.
Transplanting Pomegranate Seedlings
Once the seedlings have grown their second set of true leaves, it’s time to transplant them into larger containers or directly outdoors. Harden off the seedlings first by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over 7-10 days. Transplant on a calm, cloudy day to minimize transplant shock.
Carefully remove seedlings with minimal root disturbance. Plant them at the same soil level as before and water thoroughly after transplanting. Allow 1-2 feet between plants if transplanting directly into a garden bed. Slowly introduce seedlings to direct sun over a week or two to avoid leaf burn.
Providing Optimal Growing Conditions
To keep your pomegranate tree thriving, be sure to provide the following optimal growing conditions:
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Sunlight: At least 8 hours of direct sun daily. Morning sun is preferable.
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Soil: Well-draining soil with a pH of 5.5-7.2. Loamy or sandy soils amended with compost work great.
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Water: Deep water 1-2 times per week until established. Then water when top few inches become dry. Avoid overwatering.
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Temperature: Prefer hot summers (85-100°F daytime temps) and cool winters (50-55°F). Can tolerate brief temperature dips to 15-20°F.
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Fertilizer: Apply balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer in spring and again halfway through summer.
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Pruning: Prune annually to shape tree and improve air circulation and light penetration.
Caring for Young Pomegranate Trees
The first few years after transplanting require diligent care to ensure successful establishment. Follow these tips:
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Provide permanent support with a sturdy stake or trellis system. This prevents damage from wind and supports fruit load later on.
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Apply organic mulch like wood chips around base of tree to retain moisture and reduce weeds. Keep mulch a few inches away from trunk.
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Watch for pests like aphids, whiteflies, and leafminers. Remove by hand or use insecticidal soap sprays.
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Be vigilant about watering needs. Check soil frequently until you learn the tree’s requirements.
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Avoid excess nitrogen fertilizer which causes overgrowth. Focus on balanced formulas.
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Pick fruits as soon as they ripen to prevent splitting. Store fruits in a cool place for 2-3 months.
Timeline for Pomegranate Fruit Production
Be prepared to wait several years for the first harvest from a tree grown from seed. Here is the typical timeline:
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Year 1: Germination and seedling growth
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Year 2: Transplant and establish outdoors. Expect 2-4 feet of growth.
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Year 3: Tree continues growing taller. May begin flower buds late in season.
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Year 4: First significant flowering and fruit set. Harvest a few fruits if conditions are ideal.
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Year 5: Increased flowering and fuller fruit production. Enjoy your first real harvest!
The waiting period will be well worth it when you bite into your first juicy, homegrown pomegranate! With proper care and favorable conditions, your tree will go on producing bountiful crops for 20+ years.
Growing a thriving pomegranate tree from seeds is absolutely achievable with the right approach. Allow plenty of time for the tree to reach maturity and bear fruit. The tips in this guide will set you up for success by optimizing germination, transplanting, growing conditions, and care. Be diligent, especially while the tree is young. Your patience will be rewarded with plentiful harvests of gorgeous pomegranates.
History of Planting Pomegranate Trees
The pomegranate is an ancient fruit native to Persia, in what is now modern day Iran. Once the plants were discovered by travelers, people were quickly planting pomegranate trees throughout the regions of Asia, Africa, and Europe surrounding the Mediterranean Sea.
Over the millennia, the luscious fruit has worked its way into the mythology of the Egyptians, Romans, and Greeks; been praised in both the Bible and Talmud; and featured in major works of art. One can almost hear the traders along the ancient Silk Road trade route asking questions about how to grow a pomegranate tree and how to market this remarkable fruit.
Over the ensuing years, the pomegranate became the fruit of royalty. This rich history, steeped in myth and romance, can probably be attributed to the fruits uniqueness; for it is truly unique. The pomegranate, Punica granatum, belongs to a family of plants that has only one genus and two species – the other only found on the island of Socotra, an island in the Indian Ocean.
Although the Romans declared it an apple, when we talk about growing pomegranate from seeds, we need to recognize that this fruit is actually a berry. Inside the hard rind are sections called locules. These locules are separated by a thin white, bitter-tasting membrane. Inside the locules are the arils, jewel-like pearls of sweetness, each carrying both juice and seed.
How to Grow a Pomegranate Tree from Seeds
There isnt much to say about how to plant a pomegranate seed since these seeds sprout readily without too much help. The seeds should be cleaned of the fleshy aril surrounding them and should be planted in loose soil with a covering layer about a 1/2 inch (1.5 cm).
How to Grow Pomegranate Tree from Seed
FAQ
How long does it take to grow a pomegranate tree from seed?
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Germination:Pomegranate seeds typically germinate within 14 to 28 days when planted in a warm, moist environment.
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Seedling Care:Once the seeds sprout, care for the seedlings by ensuring they have good drainage, plenty of sunlight (6-8 hours daily), and consistent watering.
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Growth and Fruiting:Pomegranate trees grown from seed can take 3 years to begin producing fruit, but some varieties may fruit sooner.
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Tips for Success:
- Soaking Seeds: Soak the seeds in warm water for 24 hours before planting to enhance germination.
- Start Indoors: Begin the process indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date, using a seed-starting mix in small pots or trays.
- Transplanting: Once the seedlings are established and strong, transplant them to a sunny location with well-draining soil.
- Pest and Disease Control: Be vigilant about pests and diseases, especially leaf footed bugs, and take appropriate measures to protect your trees.
- Soaking Seeds: Soak the seeds in warm water for 24 hours before planting to enhance germination.
Do you need two pomegranate trees to produce fruit?
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Self-Fertile:Pomegranate trees have both male and female flowers on the same plant, allowing for self-pollination.
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Increased Yield:While a single tree can produce fruit, having multiple trees can lead to a larger and more consistent harvest due to cross-pollination.
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Pollination:If you have only one tree, you can manually pollinate the flowers by transferring pollen from the male flower to the female flower.
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Variety:Choosing different pomegranate varieties can also help ensure a longer fruiting season and a wider range of fruit characteristics.
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Care:Pomegranate trees generally require minimal care, including full sun, well-drained soil, and regular watering.
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Pruning:Pruning is typically not necessary, but you can prune to maintain the shape or size of the tree, or to remove dead or broken branches.
Are pomegranate trees hard to grow?
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Climate & Soil:Pomegranate trees thrive in USDA plant hardiness zones 7-10 and prefer full sun and well-drained soil.
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Watering:They are drought-tolerant once established, but regular watering is needed for proper fruit production, especially during dry periods.
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Fertilizing:Pomegranates are “hungry trees,” so mulching with well-rotted manure or compost annually is recommended to maintain soil nutrient levels.
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Pruning:Pruning is usually unnecessary, but removing dead, broken, or crossing branches is recommended.
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Pests and Diseases:Pomegranate trees are generally resistant to pests and diseases.
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Growing in Pots:Pomegranates can be grown in pots, but larger varieties may not produce as much fruit due to restricted root spread.
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Self-Fertile:Pomegranates are self-fertile, meaning they don’t require a pollination partner to produce fruit.