Bonnie Nowicki
Quail Creek gardeners, now’s the ideal time to plant a deciduous pomegranate (Punica granatum) shrub/tree. This Mediterranean native was brought to Arizona in the 15th to 16th century by the Spanish. Grown naturally as a woody, multi-stem shrub, pomegranates can be easily trained into a 12- to 15-foot tree or espaliered against a wall, fence, or trellis. Growing a pomegranate is a great alternative to growing a citrus tree due to its lower water use.
Pomegranates are well-suited to our desert environment and alkaline soil. The best fruit is produced in arid climates. Full sun and well-drained, organic-amended soil are ideal. Deep green oval leaves and attractive red flowers make poms a delightful addition to your landscape. They tolerate our heat extremes and winter lows to 10 degrees F.
To train as a tree, select one trunk and remove suckers regularly. Three to five scaffold branches should also be selected, starting at about 10 inches above the ground. As the tree takes shape, pick two or three shoots per branch. Annually, remove crossed or dead branches. I prefer to keep my two-year-old Angel Red pom in its natural shrub shape.
Pomegranates are self-pollinating, and their fruit (actually a large berry) is ready to pick when their reddish tough outer skin changes shape from round to slightly cuboid. The juice, pulp, and pink-red seeds (arils) are a great source of healthy antioxidants and flavonoids. After picking, the fruit is very long-lasting in your fridge for months.
In the summer, water weekly. Consistent irrigation will prevent cracked fruit. Regularly watered, their moderate growth rate is ideal for most gardens. Fruit drops are common for the first three years. Just don’t over-fertilize or water excessively. During the growing season (February through November), fertilize once a month with nitrogen.
So, fellow gardeners, give yourselves a healthy treat and grow a pretty pomegranate. Happy gardening!