Pomegranate trees (Punica granatum) produce delicious fruit, and if you have the right warm climate, they are easy to maintain. The trees usually take between three to six years to mature enough to bear their signature red, leathery fruit filled with sweet, edible seeds.
The pomegranate can range from a dwarf shrub of 3 feet to a tree of 30 feet. In most places, they are deciduous, but in warmer climates, they may be evergreen. They are also attractive ornamentally, with glossy leaves and scarlet red, tube-shaped flowers that are attract hummingbirds and other pollinators.
Pomegranates are gaining popularity for their delicious, ruby-red arils and wealth of health benefits. If you’re considering adding a pomegranate tree to your landscape, you probably want to know – how long does it take to go from planting a tiny seed or sapling to picking ripe, juicy pomegranates?
Pomegranates do require some patience, but with ideal growing conditions you can expect your first small harvest within 2-3 years A full crop on a mature tree can take 5 years or more to develop. Here’s a look at what to expect at each stage of pomegranate growth on the journey from seed to fruiting.
Pomegranate Growing Stages
Pomegranate trees go through a series of phases on their way to maturity, similar to other fruit trees.
Seedling Stage
-
Planting pomegranate seeds in spring will allow them to germinate and sprout within 6-8 weeks under the right conditions The baby seedling emerges with a single small stem and a pair of round seed leaves Roots begin growing down into the soil,
-
During the first year, the seedling focuses on root development and puts out more stems and leaves. It typically will not flower or set fruit in year one.
Sapling Stage
-
In year two, the young pomegranate is classified as a sapling. The main trunk starts becoming woody and branches form a bushy framework.
-
Height rapidly increases to 2-4 feet tall. Flowers may emerge but do not produce mature fruit yet. The sapling is establishing its structure.
Juvenile Stage
-
During years 3-5, the pomegranate enters its juvenile or transitional growth phase. It often flowers during this stage but fruiting is still light.
-
The tree is nearing maturity but not fully there yet. Some fruits may set but have poor quality and ripen late in the season. The root system expands to support future crops.
Mature Stage
-
After 5-8 years, the pomegranate reaches maturity with an extensive framework of branches and a deep root system.
-
It flowers prolifically in spring and sets quality fruit that ripens fully in late summer or fall. The tree easily supports regular, heavy fruit production.
-
Pomegranate trees will bear abundant fruit each year in maturity, which can last for decades with proper care and pruning.
Timeline from Planting to Fruit Harvest
Here is a typical timeline for pomegranate growth from planting to that first exciting fruit harvest:
-
Year 1: Plant seeds or small starter tree in spring. Establish roots and foliage. No flowers or fruit.
-
Year 2: Experience rapid vegetative growth as a sapling. Reach 2-4 feet tall. No fruit set.
-
Year 3: Possible light flowering and sparse late fruit. Tree is still immature.
-
Year 4: More reliable flowering and improved fruit set. Harvest just a few pomegranates.
-
Year 5: Robust flowering and significant fruit production. Enjoy your first real harvest!
-
Year 6+: The tree hits full maturity. Produces abundant flower buds and heavy fruit crops annually.
The pomegranate growth timeline can vary slightly based on climate, variety, tree size at planting, and care. But generally you can expect at least 2-3 years from seed to fruit, 4-5 years for sizable harvests on a young tree, and 5-8 years before full maturity.
Factors Affecting Time to Harvest
Several variables influence how quickly pomegranate trees reach their fruit bearing potential:
-
Climate – Trees grow faster and bear younger in zones 8-10 with a long warm season. Cool climates delay maturity.
-
Variety – Some cultivars like ‘Wonderful’ mature a bit quicker than others like ‘Granada’.
-
Tree Size – A 3-4 foot sapling may fruit 1-2 years sooner than a 1 foot seedling.
-
Planting Method – Grafted trees fruit earlier than seedlings. Cuttings also shorten the timeline.
-
Care – Fertilizing, pruning, pest control, winter protection, and proper planting accelerate growth vs neglect.
-
Weather Issues – Extreme cold, drought, diseases, or injuries can set the tree back. Ideal conditions speed maturity.
Tips to Reach Fruiting Stage Faster
You can potentially harvest pomegranates a year sooner by giving your tree the best possible care:
-
Start with the largest size healthy tree you can obtain – at least 2-3 feet.
-
Choose faster maturing varieties like ‘Wonderful’, ‘Early Foothill’, or ‘Parfianka’.
-
Select the warmest planting site that avoids frost pockets.
-
Prepare soil with compost and maintain a pH around neutral.
-
Water young trees regularly the first 2 years to establish deep roots.
-
Apply balanced fertilizer in early spring and again after fruit set.
-
Prune judiciously in winter to shape and stimulate new growth.
-
Control weeds, pests, and diseases that slow growth.
-
Protect the trunk, roots, and buds from harsh winter weather.
-
Be patient – avoid overharvesting the first few light crops.
Enjoying the Fruits of Your Labor
Waiting several seasons for that very first pomegranate harvest requires dedication. But once your tree hits its stride, it will provide a bountiful supply of beautiful, tangy-sweet fruits to enjoy fresh or in cooking. Check for mature fruits starting in late summer, and harvest any that turn deep red. The long growth journey is rewarding when you finally get to pick pomegranates from your own backyard tree!
How to Grow Pomegranate Trees in Pots
Though it is easier to grow a dwarf pomegranate tree in a pot, you can grow any size pomegranate plant in a container.
Pomegranate trees in pots may produce less fruit because their roots will be more restricted, but they will thrive when watered and fertilized consistently. Use at least a 10-gallon container with plenty of drainage holes. Plant the tree in a standard potting mix.
Types of Pomegranates
There are many cultivars to choose from, including some that are more cold-hardy. Some of the popular types include:
- Nana: A dwarf form that is cold hardy to zone 7 and typically grows to just 4 feet tall.
- Sweet: Produces fruit earlier than some cultivars and, as the name suggests, has a very sweet flavor and usually provides a prolific harvest.
- Wonderful: The most popular cultivar grown in the United States; produces large, flavorful, red fruits in abundance late in the season.
HOW to PLANT and GROW POMEGRANATES, plus WHEN to HARVEST, HOW to EAT, and what to do about BUGS
FAQ
How long does it take a pomegranate tree to produce fruit?
-
Early Fruit Production:While some trees might produce a few fruits earlier, they won’t be of the best quality or size until the tree matures.
-
Maturity and Full Production:Pomegranate trees typically reach full maturity and begin producing a consistent, abundant crop of fruit between 5 and 7 years old.
-
Factors Affecting Time:The time it takes for a pomegranate tree to produce fruit can vary depending on factors like the tree’s variety, growing conditions, and the care it receives.
-
Hardwood Cuttings vs. Seeds:Trees grown from hardwood cuttings tend to fruit sooner (around year 2 after planting) than those grown from seeds (at least 3 years).
-
Pruning and Care:Regular pruning, especially during the first few years, can encourage new growth and lead to more flowers and fruits.
-
Pollination:Ensure proper pollination, either through cross-pollination with another pomegranate tree or through the use of pollinators like bees, to ensure successful fruit development.
-
Climate:Pomegranates thrive in hot, sunny climates with mild winters, so the climate in your area can influence their growth and fruiting.
Is pomegranate easy to grow?
-
Adaptability:Pomegranates thrive in warm climates (zones 8-11) and can even be grown in containers or as shrubs, making them suitable for various spaces.
-
Low Maintenance:They are relatively low-maintenance and don’t require a lot of care, making them a good choice for beginner gardeners.
-
Drought Tolerance:Once established, pomegranate trees are quite drought-tolerant, requiring less frequent watering than other fruit trees.
-
Disease Resistance:They are generally resistant to pests and diseases, requiring minimal intervention for pest and disease control.
-
Self-Fruitful:Many pomegranate varieties are self-fruitful, meaning they can produce fruit without needing another tree for pollination.
Is pomegranate a fast growing tree?
Pomegranate is a fast-growing, deciduous plant noted for its berrylike fruit that grows six to fifteen feet tall with a multiple or single trunk.
How long does a pomegranate tree take to grow?
This deciduous shrub can reach a height of 12 to 20 feet (3.5 to 6) and a width of almost the same. When developing a pomegranate tree, patience is essential because the fruit takes five to seven months to mature, and the tree takes two to three years to bear more than a few fruits. How long does it take a pomegranate flower to fruit?
How long does it take a pomegranate tree to bear fruit?
Pomegranate trees typically require several years before they bear fruit. Understanding the timeline and factors affecting this process allows you to manage your expectations. Age of the Tree: Younger trees produce fewer fruits. Expect fruit-bearing to start around 4 to 5 years for most varieties.
When do pomegranate trees produce fruit?
A pomegranate tree will produce flowers every year in late summer unless it is starved, wounded, or sick. When these blossoms are close enough to other pomegranate trees for cross pollination, they have the best chance of producing fruit. The pomegranate tree will yield fruit up to seven months after initial flowering once fertilized.
How do pomegranate trees grow?
Pomegranate trees thrive in warm, arid climates with well-draining soil. They require full sunlight, consistent watering, and a balanced fertilization schedule for optimal growth and fruit production. How should I care for young pomegranate trees?
How many pomegranates can a tree produce a year?
However, in general, a fully established pomegranate tree can produce anywhere from 100 to 250 fruits per year. This translates to an average of 50 to 75 pounds of pomegranates per tree annually.
How long do pomegranate trees last?
Different varieties of pomegranate trees, such as ‘Angel Red’ and ‘Sweet Pomegranate,’ may have varying timelines for fruit-bearing, ranging from 3 to 6 years. Pomegranate trees are unique and rewarding additions to any garden. They not only offer stunning blooms but also produce delicious fruit.