The pomegranate tree (Punica granatum) may not be the first plant you think of when deciding what to grow around your house, but it’s surprisingly attractive as an ornamental with the bonus of delivering healthful fruit.
The pomegranate originated in an area extending from Iran to northern India and has been cultivated since ancient times throughout the Mediterranean region. It’s best described as a deciduous tree (or shrub) growing between 20 and 30 feet.
The leaves are glossy and have a narrow, lance shape. In most places they are deciduous, but in the warmer climates such as the U.S. Southwest, they may be evergreen. In fact, pomegranates love warmer climates, growing best in hardiness zones 7–10.
The flowers are tube-shaped and more than 1 inch long. They are a brilliant scarlet red and are very attractive to hummingbirds. The flowers are self-pollinating, though fertility is improved through cross-pollination.
The pomegranate fruit is approximately 2.5 to 5 inches wide. It has a red, leathery rind. Each seed (aril) is encased in pulp and sectioned off by walls.
—–
For centuries humans have been aware of possible health benefits from pomegranate fruit. Pomegranate seeds get their vibrant red hue from polyphenols. These chemicals are powerful antioxidants.
Pomegranate juice contains higher levels of antioxidants than most other fruit juices. It also has three times more antioxidants than red wine and green tea. The antioxidants in pomegranate juice can help remove free radicals, protect cells from damage, and reduce inflammation.
It’s also widely believed that pomegranate juice can reduce inflammation in the gut and improve digestion. It may be beneficial for people with Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and other inflammatory bowel diseases.
Additionally, the antioxidants in the juice and their high concentration are believed to stall the progress of Alzheimer disease and protect memory. Drinking 8 ounces of pomegranate juice daily may improve learning and memory, according to this study.
Other possible health benefits from the fruit of the pomegranate tree include protecting the heart and arteries, blocking the inflammation that contributes to osteoporosis, helping decrease insulin resistance, acting as a sports endurance and performance enhancer, and even acting as a potential fertility aid.
However, it’s best to check with your doctor before drinking pomegranate juice every day, to make sure it won’t interfere with any of your medications. Also, diabetics should check blood sugars daily if choosing pomegranate juice over whole pomegranates to ensure blood sugars remain optimal.
—–
How to Grow a Pomegranate Tree
While it’s possible to grow pomegranate trees from seeds, this does not guarantee you will get a certain variety of pomegranate and you will have to wait several years before your plant produces fruit.
Therefore, most people buy pomegranate seedlings from their local nurseries, being sure to buy a variety that produces plentiful fruit – like the WonderFul variety.
Exposure
Pomegranates can be grown in partial shade but it’s better to grow them with as much sun and warmth as possible.
Soil
The pomegranate does best in well-drained soil – even sandy soil. Some pomegranate growers maintain that slightly acidic soil is best for pomegranates, though they also grow well in moderately alkaline soil. For the most part, pomegranates will adapt to the soil they are planted in, so long as it drains well.
Watering
Water your pomegranate tree immediately after planting and then daily until new leaves appear. Transition gradually to a watering schedule of every seven to 10 days. When the tree is producing fruit or flowering, water deeply every week – less if there’s rain.
Fertilizer
Fertilize in November and March for the first two years. Otherwise, not much fertilizer is usually needed in subsequent years.
Pruning
Remove suckers as they appear. It’s important to cut the pomegranate tree back once it grows to about 2 feet. Allow four to five shoots to develop about 1 inch above the ground.
For the first three years keep shortening the branches to encourage shoot development. Fruit only develops where there is new growth. After three years simply focus on pruning away damaged or dead branches.
—–
Harvesting Pomegranate Fruit
Don’t expect to begin harvesting pomegranate fruit until three years after planting. Once the trees have reached that age of maturity, the fruit will ripen about six to seven months after flowering – generally making harvest season for pomegranates in September for early ripening varieties and continues through October for later ripening cultivars.
When harvesting pomegranate fruit, pick when the fruit is fully ripe and a deep red in color since it does not continue to ripe post-harvest. Begin picking pomegranates when the fruit makes a metallic sound when you tap it with your finger.
When you are ready to harvest, cut the fruit from the tree, don’t pull it off. Cut the fruit as close as possible to the branch, taking the stem with the fruit.
Most people enjoy pomegranate seeds raw or use them to make juice. Seeding a pomegranate can be somewhat of a chore, but there are plenty of options for how to go about it.
You will also find lots of different ways to juice the pomegranate seeds like this one from Dassana Amit.
(Source: thespruce.com)
