There are many different varieties of pomegranate. All varieties love the heat, as much as you can give them, but some varieties have a higher tolerance to cold temperatures than others. So, before you purchase and plant pomegranate plants in your landscape or garden, make sure the varieties you choose will stand up to the average low temperatures your area experiences during winter. In general, winter low temperatures should be above 7 degrees F for the cold hard varieties, and above 12 degrees F for the frost sensitive varieties.
Here's a breakdown of what you need to know...
Pollination
The pomegranate is both self-pollinated and cross-pollinated by insects. There is very little wind dispersal of pollen. Self-pollination of bagged flowers has resulted in 45% fruit set. Cross-pollination has increased yield to 68%. With that in mind, it's best to plant more than one pomegranate, and more than one variety.
Soil
The difference between pomegranates and many other fruit trees is the wide range of soils in which the pomegranate will grow. From heavy clay, black loam, lime rich soils, dry rocky hillsides to sandy soil, the pomegranate will grow almost anywhere. That being said, though pomegranates will tolerate most any type of average garden soil, they grow best in fertile, deep, loam soil that is rich with humus, as do most other fruit trees.
Pomegranate prefers a well-draining soil. Constantly soggy or wet soil can cause problems with their roots. Brief periods of flooding won't cause problems provided the soil is well-draining. When growing on quick-leaching sandy soil pomegranate will require additional fertilization for good fruit production. Where I garden in mid Georgia, the heavy clay soil tends to lighten fruit color, but if the fruit is for home use this should not be a problem as the fruit will taste just the same.
How To Test Soil Drainage: If you are uncertain about soil drainage in the area you intend to plant, it's well worth taking the time to test the drainage before planting. To test soil drainage, dig a hole 12" wide by 12" deep in the planting area. Fill the hole with water and let it drain. Then, after it drains, fill it with water again, but this time clock how long it takes to drain. In well-drained soil the water level will go down at a rate of about 1 inch an hour. A faster rate, such as in loose, sandy soil, may signal potentially dry site conditions. A slower rate indicates poor draining soil and could be a caution you might need to improve drainage, plant in a raised mound or bed, or look for plants that are more tolerant of wet or boggy conditions.
Soil pH
The soil pH tolerance for pomegranate is wide. They will grow in acid to moderately alkaline soils that range from 4.5 to 8.2 on the pH scale. That being said, they thrive and produce best between 5.5 to 7.2, which most average garden soils fall between.
Testing Soil pH Soil pH is a measurement of the alkalinity or acidity of soil and is measured on a scale of 1-14, with 7 as the neutral mark. Any measurement below 7 indicates acid soil conditions, and anything above 7 indicates alkaline. If you're unsure about the pH of your soil, or whether or not it is suitable for growing pomegranate trees, it's a good idea to test the pH in the planting area. You can quickly test soil pH with an inexpensive soil pH tester probe. To raise the pH (make more alkaline) you can add pelletized limestone to the soil. To lower the pH (make more acid) you can apply Soil Sulfur, Aluminum Sulfate, or Chelated Iron. Adding organic compost to the soil or using compost as mulch can also help to increase acidity and maintain acid soil conditions.
Learn More: What is Soil pH and How To Adjust It?
Light Needs
The best and most fruits will be produced when pomegranate trees are growing in full sun. However, trees that receive a little shade during the hottest part of summer days will still produce good crops of fruit.
How To Plant A Pomegranate Tree In The Ground
Step 1
Start by digging your planting hole at least three times as wide and as deep or not much deeper than the root ball of your tree. The wider the hole the better. Place native soil removed from planting hole around the perimeter of the hole, in a wheel barrow, or on a tarp.
Step 2
Depending on the type, fertility and porosity of the soil in the planting area, it may be beneficial to amend the native soil. When planting in heavy clay soil mix in a good soil conditioner, compost, and/or planting mix at a 25 to 50% ratio with the soil to enhance porosity and ensure good drainage. When planting in a sandy, quick-draining soil amending with top soil, organic compost, and/or peat moss will help to retain moisture and supply vital plant nutrients. When planting in fertile, loamy, well-drained moist soil there may not be a need to amend soil.
Step 3
To remove your tree from the container it was growing in, firmly grasp the base of the trunk and try to very gently lift and remove it from its container. If the root ball is stuck in the container either cut the container away or place the plant on it's side and gently pound on the side of the container to loosen the root ball. After having removed the plant from the container, loosen some feeder roots around the surface of the root ball. If root bound, you can gently spray the sides and bottom of the root ball with a stream of water from a garden hose. This will help to wash away some soil from the exterior of the root ball making it easier to loosen roots.
Step 4
Set your tree in the planting hole so that the top edge of the rootball is at or slightly above ground level to allow for settling. It may be necessary to place some of your backfill soil mixture in the bottom of the hole to achieve proper planting height. If your planting site drains slowly after rainfall, plant with the root ball several inches or more above the ground level. If your soil stays constantly soggy or wet take measures to improve drainage in the planting site.
Step 5
After setting your tree in the planting hole, use one hand to hold the tree straight while using your other hand to begin backfilling the soil mixture around the root ball, tamping as you go to remove air pockets. When you have filled the hole to the halfway point you can soak the soil. Then continue backfilling to the top edge of the root ball. If you are planting the root ball higher than ground level taper your soil mixture gradually from the top edge of the root ball to the ground level. To avoid suffocating your plant, do not put any soil on top of the root ball.
Step 6 (Optional)
When planting your tree in a site far away from a water source you can use remaining soil mixture to build a water retaining berm (catch basin) around the outside perimeter of the planting hole. This basin will help to collect water from rainfall and irrigation often reducing the need for hand-watering. The berm can be removed after a growing season or two.
Step 7
Next, deeply water the planting area, including the root ball, to a depth equal to the height of the root ball. For an extra boost, you can water your newly planted tree with a solution of Root Stimulator, which stimulates early root formation and stronger root development. Root Stimulator reduces plant shock and promotes greener, more vigorous plants.
Step 8
Apply a 1 to 2" layer of pine bark mulch or a good organic compost, or a 3- 4" layer of pine straw, around your newly planted tree. Do not use freshly chipped or shredded wood for mulch until it has cured in a pile for at least 6 months, a year is better. Avoid placing or piling mulch directly against the base of the plant as this could cause problems with the bark.
Apply a 1 to 2" layer of pine bark mulch or a good organic compost, or a 3- 4" layer of pine straw, around your newly planted tree. Do not use freshly chipped or shredded wood for mulch until it has cured in a pile for at least 6 months, a year is better. Avoid placing or piling mulch directly against the base of the plant as this could cause problems with the bark.
How To Plant A Pomegranate In A Container Or Pot
A Pomegranate tree growing in a pot will appreciate a moist but well-drained soil. Constantly soggy or wet soil can and often will cause root rot or other harmful or deadly plant diseases. Therefore, I recommend using a quality potting soil or potting mix, or better yet a 50/50 combination thereof in a container with a drainage hole(s). You can also add about 10% pumice or perlite to the soil mixture to help with drainage.
Make sure to choose a container with drainage holes at the bottom and one that is large enough to allow for 2 to 3 years of growth before having to shift up to a larger size container. This might mean your planting pot would be 12 inches or more in width than the root ball of your tree.
Note: Keep in mind the wind. When planting taller growing trees in containers, wind is always a factor. Choose a pot with a low profile and make sure to place your container where it will not be exposed to high winds. Square pots tend to be more stable than round pots. You can also place a brick(s) or other heavy objects in the bottom of the container for stabilization.
Container color will matter as well. Not only will you want to pick a container color that goes well with the flower and foliage color of your tree, you'll also want to pick a container that matches the style of your home or other structures and other plants in the surrounding environment.
Many nursery & garden centers offer a wide variety of containers to choose from. Before heading out to buy a container take pictures of your home and the surrounding environment. Doing so will help you to choose just the right color and style.
Step 1
Before filling your container with the soil mix, I recommend lining the bottom with shade cloth or a porous landscape fabric / weed barrier. This will keep the drain holes from becoming stopped up with soil and eventually roots. If you use stones or brick in the bottom of the pot lay the fabric on top.
Step 2
To remove your tree from the nursery container it was growing in first squeeze the sides of the container to loosen the root ball if necessary. Then firmly grasp the tree or shrub by the base of its trunk and very gently try to lift and remove the root ball from the nursery pot/container. If the root ball is stuck in the container use a cutting tool to cut the container away. After having removed the plant from the container, use your fingers or a claw tool to loosen some feeder roots around just the surface of the root ball. If root bound, you can spray the sides and bottom of the root ball with a stream of water from a garden hose. This will help to wash away some soil from the exterior of the root ball making it easier to loosen roots.
Step 3
Pour a small amount of your soil mixture in the bottom of the container. Set your tree in the container and make necessary adjustments by adding or removing some soil so that the top edge of the root ball will sit 1 to 2 inches or so below the rim of the container.
Step 4
Backfill with your potting soil around root ball, tamping as you go, until the level of potting soil is even with the top edge of root ball.
Step 5
Water thoroughly until water starts to drain from the holes in the bottom of the container. Add more potting mix if settling occurs during watering.
Step 6 (Optional)
Apply a 1/2" layer of wood chips or sphagnum moss to soil surface to help conserve moisture. You can also incorporate low growing, spreading plants in your container planting that will serve as a permanent soil cover.
Hope this information was helpful!