Pomegranate care guide
Punica granatum
Also known as: Pomegranate tree, Dwarf pomegranate
Pets and children
Caution advised
The rind, bark and roots contain alkaloids and tannins, and a dog or cat that eats a lot may vomit or get diarrhea; keep fallen fruit out of reach and consult a veterinarian if eaten.
How often to water Pomegranate
- Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
- Every 2 days
- Water a pot thoroughly once the topsoil dries, about every one to two days in summer; it dislikes soggy soil, so wait for it to dry.
- Autumn (Oct–Nov)
- Every 3 days
- A sudden soaking as the fruit ripens splits it: about every two to four days once the surface is dry.
- Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Every 7 days
- Dormant and leafless, so about once a week, a few days after the soil dries.
Light and placement for Pomegranate
As a guide, full sun outdoors; in shade it will not flower, and being generally tough in heat and drought it takes the summer sun as it is.
Overwintering Pomegranate
Overwintering guide: −10°C (14°F) or above
A hardy deciduous tree that generally winters outdoors on the Kanto and Kansai plains; as a guide, a pot only needs a spot under the eaves out of the north wind, not a move indoors.
Fertilizing and repotting Pomegranate
Fertilizer
As a guide, organic fertilizer around February, after flowering in June or July, and after harvest around November; too much nitrogen generally means fewer flowers.
When to repot
Autumn (Oct–Nov), Winter (Dec–Feb)
Common problems with Pomegranate
- Too little sun and it does not flower.
- It flowers heavily but the flowers drop without setting fruit.
- Long autumn rains split the ripe fruit.
Tips for growing Pomegranate
- Only the vase-shaped flowers with a swollen base set fruit; the slender bell-shaped ones drop.
- Harvest once the skin is deeply colored, before it cracks.
- Prune in winter, mostly removing suckers from the base and crowded branches.
These are AI-generated general guidelines. They vary with the variety, the placement and the pot size. For effects on pets or children, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
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