How to Grow Pomegranates

It seems as if there's more positive news each week about the health benefits of the pomegranate fruit. If you're a gardener and would like to have your own supply of pomegranate, you can grow this healthy and delicious plant in your yard. Not only can you enjoy the health benefits of the magnificent pomegranate fruit, you can use it to add visual interest to fruit bowls. Its flaming red color makes it an eye catching addition to any fruit assortment. Here's how to grow pomegranate in your own backyard:

Choose An Area For Planting

Pomegranate plants thrive in sunny, warm areas. Although they will still grow in partial shade for best results choose a sunny area for planting. These plants are rather hardy and can survive colder temperatures although the risk of plant damage increases when temperatures drop below freezing. These plants can add a pleasing note of color to your yard or garden.

Purchase Your Pomegranate Plants

You can purchase pomegranate cuttings from your local nursery which is the recommended way of starting your pomegranate plant. Choose cuttings around fifteen inches in length and plant them in standard soil after treating the cuttings with rooting hormone. It will take about three years before your pomegranate plants will yield fruit.

Take Care of your Pomegranate Plants

Water your new pomegranate plants thoroughly upon planting as well as every few days for the first two weeks. After the first two weeks, you can reduce watering frequency to once every ten days. Fertilize the plants lightly after growth starts and then three times yearly, once in very early spring, once in the summer, and again at the end of the summer.

Harvesting

You should start to see fruit production after about three years. Harvest the fruit when they make a metallic sound when tapped. Do not allow the fruit to become overly ripe as they may split open.

Enjoy the Fruits of Your Labor

Pomegranate fruit can be stored for up to 6 months once harvested if kept at a temperature of between 35 degrees Fahrenheit and 40 degrees Fahrenheit. You can enjoy the fresh fruit or use the juice to make a variety of syrups, healthy drinks, smoothies, jellies, salsa, soups, gelatin desserts and a host of other delicious and healthy treats.

Why not discover the joy of growing your own pomegranate plant? You'll be rewarded with a delicious fruit that can enhance your taste buds as well as your health.