Pomegranate Trees

Pomegranate trees are beautiful plants that produce delicious and visually appealing fruit, both inside and out. They are also rich in nutritional benefits, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The cultivation of pomegranates dates back to ancient Persia, although they are now grown in many countries across various continents such as Asia, Africa, and Europe, particularly in regions surrounding the Mediterranean Sea. Pomegranates are mentioned in Egyptian, Roman, and Greek myths, as well as in the Quran, the Bible, and the Talmud.

Key Points on How to Grow a Pomegranate Tree

• Planting Season: It is best to plant pomegranate trees in spring or early autumn, avoiding stormy, rainy, or windy conditions, as well as the cold of winter or extreme summer heat.
• Fruit Production: Pomegranate trees begin to bear edible fruit approximately five years after planting.
• Watering: When planting pomegranate trees in small pots or special planting containers, water them until the soil is saturated and allow the soil to dry completely. Ensure excess water drains out through drainage holes.

Fertilization

• Fertilize pomegranate trees in November, February, and May by applying ammonium sulfate fertilizers.

Pruning

• Prune the tree in spring to remove dead or diseased branches.

Sunlight and Temperature

• Place the pot in a location with direct sunlight for several hours daily. Move the tree indoors when the temperature drops to prevent damage.

Pest Control

• Spray the plant with water and soap or use sulfur to treat mites, which typically appear in June and July.

Seasonal Care

• In autumn, keep the plant indoors as much as possible, about two hours daily, compared to spring when the plant should stay outdoors for longer periods each day.

Repotting

• Transfer the plant to a slightly larger pot when its roots outgrow the current container, covering the base with soil, especially around the trunk, to protect it from potential damage.

Growing from Seeds

• Clean pomegranate seeds thoroughly before planting.
• Pomegranate seeds germinate easily without requiring any special assistance.
• Plant seeds in loose soil, covering them with a layer of about 1.5 cm of soil.
• Seeds germinate at room temperature within 30 to 40 days.

Planting in Fields

• For large-scale planting, use alkaline, chalky, or limestone-rich soil.
• The ideal pH level for growing pomegranate trees is between 7.5 and 8.
• Add a very small amount of limestone to the soil when planting pomegranate trees.

Fruit Growth and Harvesting

• Pomegranates begin to develop about six months after flowering.
• Harvest the fruit once the peel turns red.
• Fresh pomegranates can be stored at room temperature for up to two weeks or in the refrigerator for up to two months.

Peak Production

• Pomegranate trees reach their peak production between 15 and 20 years.