How to Grow Pomegranates, Even in Pots

The pomegranate (Punica granatum) is a very beautiful and perennial plant that thrives in warm, sunny climates and is relatively easy to grow. Aside from the enormous benefits of its fruit, the pomegranate has great ornamental value, especially thanks to its very showy and cheerful red-orange flowers.

Diuretic, antioxidant, capable of fighting arteriosclerosis and cardiovascular disease and boasting anti-cancer properties, the pomegranate is a fruit with a thousand important health benefits. Harvest begins in October and can last throughout November.

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Why pomegranate is considered a lucky charm

Greek mythology considers the pomegranate a sacred plant to gods such as Juno and Venus, and in ancient Rome, brides would meet their husbands with pomegranate branches woven into their hair. A symbol meant to bring good luck and wealth . From ancient times to today, the pomegranate 's good luck charm has never diminished, while scientific knowledge of its benefits has grown.

Property

Its content of vitamin C and B vitamins, fiber, protein, phosphorus and a good amount of sodium, magnesium and iron make it an important food that should never be missing from the home during the right season.

How to Grow a Pomegranate Tree

How about trying growing a pomegranate tree directly in your garden or in a pot on your balcony? It's a modest tree , typically no taller than 5-6 meters, and it adapts well to varying temperatures, from summer heat to winter cold. The important thing is that, in the latter case, it's not excessive, as the plant can't tolerate temperatures of -20°C.

Exposure and climate

The pomegranate is a modest-sized tree , generally no taller than 5-6 meters, and can adapt well to different temperatures, such as summer heat and winter cold. The important thing is that, in the latter case, it is not excessive, as the plant cannot tolerate temperatures of -20°C.

Also, choose a fairly bright and sunny location: pomegranate trees dislike shade. At the same time, however, make sure the plant is protected from heavy rains and especially hailstorms, which could damage the fruit during the ripening period.

When to grow

The best time to start growing is from autumn to the end of winter in central and southern Italy, and spring in northern Italy.

Land0

After purchasing the pomegranate tree from a nursery, plant it in well-drained soil , to which you can also add fresh potting soil and natural fertilizer. In particular, between April and August, fertilize the soil at least once a month with a natural fertilizer.

Watering

The pomegranate tree doesn't require much water and can tolerate drought well, even for short periods. Therefore, water the tree once a week if you choose to grow it in the garden, and every two weeks if you choose to grow it in a pot . Also, be careful not to let it stagnate.

Pruning

To ensure a good harvest, it's important to lightly prune the plant in late winter to remove dead branches. Remember, however, that flowers and fruit form at the tips of the branches, so be careful not to shorten them excessively, as this could jeopardize their development. January, February, and March are the ideal months to begin pruning the plant.

Sowing and harvesting

If you're planting a pomegranate tree from a cutting or nursery, the best time is in spring, once the frost has passed. If you have more than one tree, leave at least 4-5 meters between each plant so they can grow without interfering with each other. Plant the tree at a depth equal to the root ball of the pot or cutting, without burying the root ball.

Pomegranates typically ripen in autumn, between September and November. The fruit is ready for harvest when the skin turns a deep red and the fruit makes a hollow sound when tapped. Harvest the fruit not when it's already ripe, but when it's just about to ripen: this will help it continue the ripening process and you can preserve it longer. Finally, use shears to cut the fruit from the plant without damaging it.

Cultivation in pots

Finally, regarding potted pomegranate plants, the same guidelines apply as for growing them in the garden. The important thing is to choose a dwarf variety that generally doesn't exceed one meter in height, place the pot in a fairly sunny spot, and ensure the soil doesn't remain dry and arid for too long.

Problems and remedies

Pomegranates can be attacked by aphids, scale insects, or the pomegranate weevil. At the same time, humidity can lead to some fungal diseases. Use natural remedies, and if they don't work, chemical products.

How to grow pomegranate even in a pot