Unlike many other fruit trees, they have shallow root systems which are a good match for container growing.
But, of course, it’s the fruit that these trees are known for.
Can You Grow Pomegranates Inside?
The Spruce / Krystal Slagle
Providing you could offer enough sunlight, you should be able to grow a pomegranate tree indoors successfully.
Just be prepared for a fair amount of pruning, especially in the first few years.
Just be aware that the fruit from a dwarf pomegranate tree isn’t nearly as sweet.
The Spruce / Krystal Slagle
Ideally, you’ll want to select a south or west-facing window.
They can tolerate partial shade, but you shouldn’t expect a fruit harvest.
Temperature and Humidity
Outdoors, pomegranate trees do best with hot, dry summers and cool winters.
The Spruce / Krystal Slagle
For an ideal growing season, temperatures should be above 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Pomegranate trees like warm temperatures but not high humidity.
Flowering is a problem if there is too much humidity in the air.
The Spruce / Krystal Slagle
If you’re experiencing high levels of humidity, you might need touse a dehumidifier.
This is especially important in the first few years, while the tree is establishing.
Keep the potting mixture moist but not soggytoo much or too little water can prevent fruit production.
Be vigilant during those early years because container-grown plants dry out more quickly than those grown in the ground.
Often adding organic, nitrogen-rich compost or mulch can be enough.
Be sure not to add too much fertilizer, especially once the tree is well-established.
You don’t want an abundance of foliage rather than fruit.
Without it, it will have a wide, bushy, spreading shrub-like appearance.
You should prune the rest back, along with any suckers that form.
Cut dead branches back in the spring.
Be aware that the blooms come in a hermaphroditic and male form.
Container and Size
The size of your container will depend on the pomegranate cultivar you select.
Decent drainage on the base is also a must.
Your plant will likely need repotting every few years to prevent it from becoming root-bound.
This means a light mix with additions of peat,perliteorvermiculiteworks well.
Waterlogging is not this trees friend.
If your tree isn’t producing any fruit, you just need to work on your hand pollination technique.
Also, consider whether your tree is getting enough light and if you could be over-fertilizing.
It’s best to propagate from hardwood cuttings in the winter.
If successful, they can bear fruit two years after planting.
Although you’ve got the option to use fall softwood cuttings, they aren’t always as successful.
There should only be around 2 to 3 inches of the cutting left exposed above the soil.
Fruit that’s ready to harvest will have a matte rather than glossy sheen on the red rind.
They also become more hexagonal in shape rather than their round growing form.
When you tap the fruit, it should make a metallic sound.
Don’t be tempted to pull the fruit off.
Instead, cut the thick stem just above the fruit with pruning shears.
