Pomegranate Fruit Tree History, Varieties & Easy-To-Care Tips
Pomegranates are ancient fruit trees with origins that trace back to Turkey and Afghanistan and can be found in religious stories of Greek mythology and Old Testament. It’s also believed that the “tree of knowledge” was most likely a pomegranate tree, not an apple tree, as apples are not native to the Mesopotamia-Persian Gulf territories.
The pomegranate symbolizes prosperity, fertility & knowledge. They are one of the easiest drought-tolerant fruit trees to grow in Grow Zones 7 to 10. You may have success growing pomegranates in-ground in Grow Zone 6 at your own risk. Colder grow zones can keep their pomegranates in containers where they can be pulled indoors or into a greenhouse during the coldest months of the year.
Pomegranates are deciduous fruit trees that in spring support large orange-red blossoms that develop into ornamental-looking shades of red (depending on variety) just in time for the holidays. Most pomegranates are ready for harvest between August to December, again depending on the variety. They are not only beautiful additions to any backyard landscape, but also extremely delicious and nutritious with high antioxidant (anti-cancer) and heart-health benefits.
You can plant pomegranates in most soil types on the condition that there is good drainage. Any compost or amendments added to the planting hole should be applied in the upper few inches of the soil, rather than into the planting hole to avoid the risk of the tree settling—which will likely stunt the trees development and possibly contribute to stem rot. WhiteWash the tree with IV Organic 3-in-1 Plant Guard or WhiteWash formulas to organically protect the tree from the hottest and coldest days of the year. By curbing weather extremes, your tree will perform significantly better—more growth, more flowers, and ultimately more fruit! Feed your fruit tree only three (3) times per year, with the most important feeding time being May/ June. Once the tree begins to grow in early spring and early fall, apply only about one-half the recommended amount of fertilizer. IV Organic All-Purpose Fertilizers are OMRI Certified for organic gardening and offer plants all six (6) plant macronutrients: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), sulfur (S), calcium (Ca). Lastly, adding a 2-3 inch layer of wood chips will help improve any soil type, while reducing watering, reducing weeding, insulating the ground from summer heat as well as winter freeze.
Parfianka Pomegranate: These are large bright-red sweet fruit with a slight balance of tartness (which enhance the fruit’s natural flavors). UC Davis taste testers rated this variety as best tasting! Juicy fruit with a very soft & very small edible seed. Self-fruitful.
Eversweet Pomegranate: Red fruit with clear, non-staining and very sweet juice that performs well from coasts to inland areas. Small and soft edible seeds. Self-fruitful.
Wonderful Pomegranate: USA #1 most popular variety sold in nurseries and grocery stores. Red-orange showy blooms develop into purplish-red fruits. The traditional delicious pomegranate taste you expect: delicious, sweet & tart. Medium edible seed. Self-fruitful.
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