Have you ever thought about growing pomegranate at home? Although it may seem impossible to grow these unique garlic-filled fruits at home, They are actually quite easy to grow.However, gardeners in colder climates often eliminate pomegranates from their lists of desired plants when they realize that they cannot survive in cold temperatures.
However, before you assume that freezing temperatures mean you can’t grow these plants at home, keep in mind that you can grow them in containers! Planting trees in pots allows you move them indoors for the winter To protect them from the cold. Additionally, containers make it easier to transport the pomegranate from one house to another.
Most care for potted plants is similar to that for pomegranates grown in the ground. However, it is also necessary to take into account factors such as Ideal container size and potting soil.It also differs in water requirements. Following these steps will help you Grow a healthy pomegranate tree In a container.
Choose a larger container
Although pomegranate trees can grow happily in pots, they will not grow well in small containers. Plants can survive one or two years, but they will experience Stunted growth and lack of flowers.Therefore, it is important to select a pot that allows the roots to spread and thrive.
Although you may be tempted to choose a smaller container and repot your plant as it grows, it is best to start with a larger container. Transplantation is an inherently stressful process, so it is best to avoid it if possible. Plus, why buy three different sized pots when you can get away with just buying one?
look for that container at least 10 gallonsThe material of the container is not very important and plastic, terracotta and glazed ceramic can work well. However, before selecting a container, make sure there are drainage holes in the bottom.
If you live in hardiness zones 7 and below, you should plan Move your pomegranate to a protected area during the winter.However, it’s easier than it seems! When you start with a 50-pound ceramic container and fill it with potting mix, your potted pomegranate can easily weigh over a hundred pounds! Choosing a lighter container or putting a pot on wheels can make moving the plant more manageable.
Fill it with a well-draining potting mix.
Once you’ve found a suitable container, it’s time to fill it with soil. You should not use native soil as it can cause damage. drainage problemsHowever, you should also stay away from seed mixes and mixes designed for vegetative houseplants.
Instead, look for something specially formulated. Potting mix designed for trees and shrubs.These mixes are similar to those that work well for raised beds. Good mixes usually contain nutrient-rich compost, peat moss or coconut fiber, and drainage materials such as perlite, sand, or pine bark fines.
Once you have a suitable mixture, I recommend pouring it into a larger container. mix it well with a shovel Or your hands. Store-bought mixes often contain large clumps of peat moss or compost, and a good mix ensures a homogeneous mix. Add water slowly while mixing until slightly moist but not soggy.
Add your plant to the container.
Fill your container about two-thirds full with potting mix. Remove your pomegranate tree from its current container and gently shake loose soil from the plant’s roots. You should also inspect the roots and Remove any rotted or discolored pieces.,
Place the plant in the new container so that the top of the plant’s root ball is level with the soil line. Avoid burying it too deep as this can cause damage. rot and growth problems,
Once the plant is in the right place, add more fresh potting soil To fill in the remaining blanks. Press the soil gently with your hands to remove any air pockets. Finally, slowly add water until moistened. If the soil runs out after watering, add more to ensure there is an even layer in the container.
place in the appropriate place
After placing your pomegranate tree in its container, it is time to place it in a location where it will receive a good amount of light. these plants are necessary at least six hours of light a dayBut they also like them a lot more. If they do not receive enough light, they may become weak and stunted and/or fail to produce flowers or fruit.
If your plant is outside, Select an open area with full sun.Alternatively, you can place the container on the south side of a building, fence or hedge.
Indoor plants also need at least six hours of light, so choose a bright area. Typically, an area next to a south-facing window works well. However, you can also keep the potted plant in a sunroom or other location. room with many windowsIf you don’t have a bright enough area, use a grow light to provide additional lighting.
water regularly
You may have heard that pomegranates are drought tolerant, And while this is true, they cannot survive for long in a container without water. The best way to keep these plants happy is to allow the soil to dry slightly between watering, but not completely.
When watering, it is important to remember the difference in water needs between potted and in-ground plants. Since the sides of the container are exposed to air, the ground heats up quicklyAnd the water evaporates quickly. Therefore, you will need to water your potted plants more frequently than those grown in the ground.
How often you need to water your plants depends on factors including sun exposure, temperature, soil type, and container material. However, a good starting point is Water your potted pomegranate once or twice a week.Checking the soil with your fingers is a good way to determine if you should water your plant more frequently. When the top three or four inches of soil dries out, you should water again.
When you water, water slowly so that all the soil is completely soaked. You can water by hand with a hose or watering can, or you can set the drippers on a timer. try keep leaves dry To prevent fungal diseases.
Fertilize regularly but in moderation
pomegranate They are not heavy feeders.So it is not necessary to give them large doses of fertilizer to keep them happy in a container. However, if you skip fertilization completely, the plants will begin to show signs of nutrient deficiency. This is especially true for potted plants.
If you use a nutrient-rich potting mix, you won’t have to fertilize your plant for the first year. However, plan to start adding balanced fertilizer in the second year. would be a suitable fertilizer equal amount of nitrogen, phosphorusAND potassiumSo look for a product with NPK ratio. 8-8-8 EITHER 10-10-10,
Fertilize your plant once a year late spring or early summerMost organic fertilizers release their nutrients slowly over time, so an annual application is enough to keep your plant happy. Avoid applying too much fertilizer, as too much nutrients can be as big a problem as too little.
monitor the temperature
Pomegranate plants are more cold hardy than many people think, but they still cannot tolerate extreme cold. Most varieties of pomegranate. Grows best in zones 8-11 And it will be damaged if exposed to temperatures below 10°F (-12°C). Therefore, you should try to move your plant to a protected area when the temperature begins to drop below freezing.
Fortunately, most grenades don’t require much cooling hours To produce fruit. This means you can bring plants indoors during the fall without worrying about lack of cold weather hindering their fruit production.
If you bring your plants indoors, you can keep them in a cool area, such as covered porch or garage or hot zone like you living roomHowever, unless they are suffering from a sudden cold, you should avoid moving them from a cold area to a warm area immediately. Instead, let them go. get used to it slowly They can acclimatize to their new home by gradually increasing the time they spend in a warm area.
When the danger of frost has passed in the spring, you can move the plants outside again. Try taking them out for a few hours one day and then a few more hours the next day. This slow start will help the plants. Adapt to cold air and bright light.,
Frequently asked questions
There are many reasons why pomegranate flowers do not bear fruit. These include improper pollination, lack of light, a container that is too small, and a plant that is too small.
You can technically grow any type of pomegranate in containers, but dwarf varieties are the best options.
Pomegranate plants grown in pots will begin to bear fruit in the second or third year. If your plants do not bear fruit before the fourth year, check the lighting, container size, and growing environment.
