Pomegranate

Punica granatum · Tree/Shrub

A heat-loving shrub or small tree with glossy leaves, bright orange-red flowers and leathery fruit full of juicy seeds. It handles drought and poor soil well and is self-fertile, so a single plant can fruit.

Care at a glance

Light

Full sun, 6–8+ hours

Water

Deeply every 1–2 weeks in summer; drought tolerant once settled

Soil

Well-drained, tolerates poor or alkaline soil; pH 5.5–7.5

Temperature

Best 75–95 °F; hardy to about 10–15 °F

Spacing

12–18 ft apart, 6 ft as a hedge

Container

15–20 gallons; dwarf types do well in pots

Harvest

Fruit 5–7 months after flowering, autumn (estimated)

Lifespan

50+ years (estimated)

When?

Plant in spring after frost danger, or in autumn in mild-winter regions. A long, hot summer is needed for sweet fruit.

Step by step

1. Choose the hottest, sunniest spot available.
2. Plant at the same depth as in the pot and water in well.
3. Water regularly in the first year, then deeply but infrequently.
4. Keep watering steady while fruit swells; irregular moisture splits fruit.
5. Feed lightly in spring; too much nitrogen reduces flowering.
6. Remove suckers and prune in late winter to 3–5 main stems or a single trunk.
7. Harvest when the skin is deeply colored and sounds metallic when tapped; cut, do not pull.

Common problems

Pets

Not listed as toxic by ASPCA; eating rind or many seeds can still upset a pet's stomach. If in doubt, ask your vet.

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