The gorgeous pomegranate, also called the Carthaginian Apple, is prized for its lovely crimson blooms that bloom for months, its rust-coloured spherical fruits, and its coral-hued fall foliage. It is cultivated extensively as an attractive shrub all over the world.
Its roots may be found in the Middle East, where pomegranates are traditionally displayed and broken at wedding rituals. It was thought to be the actual forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden by early Iranian Christians.
These trees are native to the Middle East and do well in the heat here in India. The vivid, ruby-hued gems within the fruits provide food and salads with amazing bursts of flavour.
Pomegranate Planting Guide
Here's how you can grow pomegranates in your backyard:
Suitable Planting Period And Site
When there is no longer a chance of a late frost, young trees should be planted in the spring. A pomegranate tree, which is somewhat drought tolerant, is ideal for the sunniest and warmest spots in the yard, where other plants may burn. Make sure the soil is loose and not too damp before planting.
Efficient Spacing And Depth
Depending on how you intend to use your pomegranate tree, the spacing may change. They may be planted 6 to 9 feet apart, and some gardeners utilise them as a spreading shrub hedge. It is preferable to place plants utilised for fruit production around 15 feet apart. The ground hole should be twice as big and as deep as the nursery pot or root ball. Pomegranate trees can be planted to climb a wall or trellis for support if that is your preference.
Full Light And Well-Drained Soil
Though they may be planted in partial shade, pomegranate shrubs like to be in areas with lots of sunshine and warmth. At least six hours of full light every day are necessary for a healthy crop on your plant.
While it may grow in many different types of soil, including poor-quality alkaline soil and desirable acid loam, the pomegranate requires well-drained soil to flourish.
Sufficient Watering
Though it requires watering for optimal fruit production, pomegranate trees can withstand droughts. In the dry season, when you are planting new crops, water deeply every two to four weeks.
But be cautious not to submerge too much. A bad crop may result from too much water and damp weather. Additionally, there is a greater likelihood of fruit breaking, which raises the risk of insect and fungal disease issues.
Ideal Temperature
When growing season temperatures rise over 85 degrees Fahrenheit, they flourish. Citrus trees are less resistant to cold than pomegranate trees. However, cultivar-specific differences exist. The majority of pomegranate trees either require extremely few cold hours or none at all to flower or fruit.
Fertiliser And Pollination
For the first two years, fertilise in November and March. Otherwise, minimal fertiliser is required in later years. In fact, overfertilisation might lead to a poor crop.
The majority of pomegranate plants self-pollinate. Planting the trees in pairs will allow for more cross-pollination, which will boost fruit yield. You might also need to plant a second tree close by for cross-pollination if the tree is blooming but not bearing fruit.