How to Grow Dwarf Nanum Pomegranate
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Dwarf Nanum Pomegranate
Punica granatum 'Nanum'
shrubNanum is a compact, ornamental pomegranate cultivar that grows 2-3 feet tall, making it ideal for containers and small gardens. It produces small, edible fruits and vibrant orange-red flowers, combining beauty with productivity. This dwarf variety is less cold-hardy than standard pomegranates but offers exceptional ornamental value.
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Example Dwarf Nanum Pomegranate timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Dwarf Nanum Pomegranate
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Dwarf Nanum Pomegranate
Around Aug 15≈ 120 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Dwarf Nanum Pomegranate dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 8b-11, can be grown in containers and brought indoors in zone 8
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Establishment
4-6 weeksNew transplant settles in with minimal growth. Leaves may be sparse or drop slightly due to transplant stress.
Water regularly but allow soil to dry between waterings. Protect from extreme heat/cold first season. Avoid fertilizing.
Vegetative Growth
2-3 monthsShrub develops branching structure with small green leaves (1-3 inches long). Growth is slow and compact.
Light pruning to shape the plant. Apply balanced fertilizer monthly during growing season. Ensure good drainage.
Flowering
2-4 months (repeated flushes possible)Tubular orange-red flowers (1-1.5 inches) appear at branch tips. Flowers may be single or double; only single flowers produce fruit.
Maintain consistent watering during flowering. Pollinate by hand if needed (use small brush). Thin flowers if overset to ensure fruit quality.
Fruiting
3-4 monthsSmall round pomegranates develop, green initially, maturing to yellow-orange or red. Fruits are 1-2 inches in diameter.
Continue regular watering but reduce frequency as fruit matures. Support heavy fruit clusters with stakes if needed. Avoid nitrogen overfeeding.
Harvest
Variable; typically summer through early fallFruits reach full color and feel slightly soft when gently squeezed. Skin may crack naturally when fully ripe.
Cut fruits with pruners rather than pulling. Allow to cure 1-2 weeks at room temperature after harvest to improve flavor.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs. Strong water spray can dislodge nymphs.
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Remove with rubbing alcohol on small affected areas. Spray neem oil or insecticidal soap for larger infestations.
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Hand-pick visible scale; spray dormant oil in winter or horticultural oil during growing season.
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Remove dropped/overripe fruit immediately. Use fruit fly traps. Maintain cleanliness around plant.
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Spray with strong water stream first; follow with neem oil or insecticidal soap if needed.
Uses
Fresh fruit and juice
CulinaryNanum pomegranate fruits are edible and juice-rich, perfect for fresh eating, juice, or culinary use despite their small size. The arils (seed sacs) offer a sweet-tart flavor. [source]
Antioxidant properties
MedicinalPomegranates are rich in polyphenols and punicalagins, compounds with strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties studied for cardiovascular and digestive health. [source]
Landscape and container gardening
OrnamentalThe dwarf form excels in containers, small gardens, and decorative landscapes. Brilliant flowers and small fruits provide visual interest across multiple seasons. [source]
Dried flowers and decorative use
HouseholdFlowers and small fruits can be dried for arrangements and decorative purposes, adding a unique botanical element to home décor. [source]
Pollinator attraction
WildlifeBright tubular flowers attract bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies, making this ornamental shrub valuable for supporting pollinator populations. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest fruits when skin color is fully developed and fruit feels slightly yielding (not hard). Cut with pruning shears to avoid damaging branches. Fruits do not ripen further after harvest, so pick only ripe fruit. Store in cool place; whole fruits keep 1-2 months. Best eaten fresh or juiced; arils can be frozen.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Nanum pomegranates are sometimes called 'grenadine' plants in reference to the syrup made from pomegranate juice, though the fruits are small and primarily ornamental.
- 🌱 Pomegranate flowers were sacred to ancient Egyptians and the fruit appears in archaeological finds dating back 5,000 years; the dwarf cultivar offers the same symbolic beauty in miniature.
- 🌱 Only single-flowered pomegranates produce fruit; double-flowered varieties (more common in ornamental settings) rarely fruit but offer more dramatic blooms.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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