Pomegranate (Punica granatum) is a perennial deciduous shrub or small tree & is widely known for its vibrant, bell-shaped flowers and its delicious, jewel-like fruit. It is native to regions of Iran and the Himalayas, but it is cultivated in various parts of the world.
Pomegranate plant can reach a height of 20 feet and has glossy, lance-shaped leaves. The flowers of pumegrante are red or orange in color, have five petals and numerous stamens. Pomegranate blooms during late spring and early summer. Flowers of pomegranate are known to attract pollinators in the garden.
How To Plant Pomegranate?
- Soil & Potting Mix: You can plant them in wide range of soils, but well drained deep loamy soils, sandy & clayey soils with pH around 5.5-7.2 is good for growing pomegranates. Prepare potting mix with 50% garden soil + 40% dung manure + 5% neem cake fertilizer + 5% bonemeal.
- Planting Time: You can plant pomegranates from February to March & July to August in tropical to sub-tropical climates. Plant during evening or morning hours only, avoid planting during afternoon.
- How To Plant: To plant pomegranates, take pot with at least 80 centimetres diameter width & 60 centimetres depth with drainage holes at the bottom. Fill the pot with potting mix, dig a hole at the center larger than the root ball of the seedlings. Place the roots in the hole and cover till the base with the potting mix. Apply water immediately after plantation.
How To Grow & Care For Pomegranate In Pot?
To grow and care for pomegranate, follow these useful tips.
- Climate: Pomegrantes grow well in semi-arid climatic conditions. However, you can also grow them in warm tropical to sub-tropical climates with temperature above 16o Celsius.
- Watering: They are drought tolerant, but for better performance, apply water whenerver top layer of soil becomes dry. Avoid waterlogging in the pot as it can lead to root rot.
- Fertilizers: During active growing season that extends from February to November, apply two handful of leaf compost + 1 tablespoon bonemeal + 1/2 teaspoon micronutrients once in a month. You can also use onion peel fertilizers instead of bonemeal.
- Sunlight: Pomegranate plant thrive well in bright direct sunlight. Make sure to plant them at a place where they can recieve at least 6 to 8 hours of bright direct sunlight throughout the day.
- Pruning: Keep pruning pomegranate plant time to time for maintaining proper shape & healthy growth in the plant.
- Pests & Diseases: Take appropriate actions if you notice leaf spot or fruit rot in the plant. You can spray Mancozeb 2 grams per litre to control these diseases. In severe cases, aphids, white flies, thrips, fruit flies, mealybugs, spider mites, etc. can infest your plant.
Following these guidelines will help you in growing pomegrante tree in your garden. If you have any ideas, suggestions or queries, then comment below.
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