The pomegranate can range from adwarf shrubof 3 feet to a tree of 30 feet.

In most places, they are deciduous, but in warmer climates, they may be evergreen.

When planting, confirm the soil is loose and not too wet.

Pomegranate tree with leathery red circular fruit hanging in branches

The Spruce / K. Dave

For those being used for fruit production, it is better to space them around 15 feet apart.

For a good harvest, your tree should get at least six hours of full sun per day.

Water

Pomegranate trees are drought tolerant, though irrigation is needed for proper fruit production.

Red pomegranate fruit hanging from tree closeup

The Spruce / K. Dave

Water deeply every two to four weeks during the dry season when you are establishing new trees.

Be careful, however, not to overwater.

Excess water and soggy conditions can lead to a poor harvest.

Pomegranate trees in orchard with red circular fruit hanging in branches

The Spruce / K. Dave

Temperature and Humidity

The optimal growing areas for this fruit areUSDA plant hardiness zones7 to 10.

They appreciate cool winters and hot, dry summers.

They thrive when growing season temperatures are above 85 degrees.

Red pomegranate fruit stacked on each other closeup

The Spruce / K. Dave

Pomegranate trees are more cold tolerant than citrus trees, but their tolerance varies depending on the cultivar.

Most pomegranate trees do not require winter chill hours to bloom or fruit.

Fertilizer

Fertilize in November and March for the first two years.

Otherwise, not much fertilizer is needed in subsequent years.

In fact, over-fertilization can result in a poor harvest.

Pollination

Pomegranate trees are usually self-pollinating.

However, if you want to increase your fruit production, plant the trees in pairs for extra cross-pollination.

Types of Pomegranates

There are many cultivars to choose from, including some that are more cold-hardy.

They can be stored for a long time if kept between 32 and 40 degrees.

Use at least a 10-gallon container with plenty of drainage holes.

Plant the tree in a standard potting mix.

Pruning

Pomegranates are prone to producingsuckers, so remove them as they appear.

Otherwise, it will develop a wider spreading bushy, shrub-like form.

It is a good idea to thin out the fruits growing on the branches.

This will ensure the pomegranates can grow to full size and reduce the chance of a limb breaking.

Propagating Pomegranate Trees

Propagating pomegranate trees can be tricky and it is best left to nurseries.

Take these steps to start a pomegranate tree from seed.

Overwintering

Some types of pomegranate trees can cope with winter temperatures as low as 10 degrees.

Common Pests & Plant Diseases

Pomegranate shrubs are not usually affected by many pests or diseases.

Possible occasional pests include pomegranate butterflies,thrips,scale,mealybugs, andwhiteflies.

A dwarf pomegranate tree can grow 3 feet tall while others can grow between 20 to 30 feet tall.

The average size of a standard pomegranate shrub is 12 to 16 feet tall with a round shape.

It can take a pomegranate tree between three to six years to mature and bear fruit.

Pomegranate trees grow best in warm climates and in full sun.

They need at least six hours of direct sunlight or more to thrive.

They are perennial in zones 7 to 10.

Pomegranate Production.University of Georgia Extension.

Pomegranates For Now.University of Florida Extension.