How to Grow Pomegranate

Pomegranate

Punica granatum

shrub

Pomegranate is a deciduous to semi-evergreen shrub or small tree known for its vibrant red flowers and distinctive fruit filled with ruby-red arils (seeds surrounded by juice). Native to the Mediterranean and Middle East, it has been cultivated for thousands of years and is prized both as an ornamental and for its nutritious, tart-sweet fruit.

Looking for a specific variety?

Wonderful Mollar Punica granatum var. nana Acco Pink Blast Grenada

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 8+ hours daily for optimal fruiting

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Water: Moderate watering during growing season; reduce in winter. Drought-tolerant once established but produces better fruit with consistent moisture. Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings.

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Spacing: 36 inches

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Days to maturity: 180-210 days from flowering to harvest (typically 2-3 years from planting to first fruit)

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Planting depth: Plant transplants at same depth as root ball; seeds 0.5 inches deep

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy or sandy soil

pH: 5.5-7.5

Amendments:

Compost Perlite or coarse sand for drainage Aged manure

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 8-11; can survive zone 7b with winter protection

8a 8b 9a 9b 10a 10b 11a 11b

Growth Stages

Seedling

4-6 weeks

Small plant with emerging true leaves and weak root system

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright, indirect light. Transplant into larger containers when 4-6 inches tall.

Vegetative Growth

3-12 months

Rapid stem and leaf development; plant becomes bushy with green foliage

Prune to shape desired form. Apply balanced fertilizer monthly during growing season. Ensure full sun exposure. Water regularly but allow brief drying periods.

Flowering

4-8 weeks

Distinctive tubular red, orange, or pink flowers appear at branch tips; some flowers may not fruit

Maintain consistent moisture during flowering. Reduce nitrogen fertilizer; switch to phosphorus-rich formula to encourage fruiting. Thin flowers if over-abundant to direct energy to fewer, larger fruits.

Fruit Development

4-6 months

Flowers fade and fruit sets, growing from small spheres to full-sized round pomegranates with distinctive crown at apex

Continue regular watering. Thin fruits if crowded (leave 6 inches between fruits). Apply mulch to retain moisture. Monitor for pests and disease.

Harvest Maturity

Variable; fruit ripens fall through early winter

Fruit reaches full size with deep color (deep red to burgundy depending on variety); skin firms and arils fully plump with juice

Harvest when fully colored and slightly soft to pressure. Cut or twist fruit from branch. Can ripen slightly off-plant in cool location.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Olive Fig Lavender Rosemary Oregano Citrus trees

Avoid planting near:

Black walnut (juglans nigra) Plants requiring significant shade Shallow-rooted competitors

Common Pests

Handpick affected fruit, use pheromone traps, apply spinosad or neem oil; prune damaged branches
Strong water spray to dislodge, insecticidal soap, neem oil, or horticultural oil spray
Remove with cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol, apply neem oil or insecticidal soap
Increase humidity, strong water spray, neem oil, miticide if severe
Horticultural oil spray during dormant season, insecticidal soap, or pruning of infested branches

Uses

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Fresh juice and arils

Culinary

Pomegranate arils are eaten fresh as a snack or added to salads, grains, and yogurt for tart-sweet flavor and nutritional boost. Fresh juice is used in drinks, marinades, sauces, and traditional Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines. [source]

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Antioxidant and cardiovascular health

Medicinal

Pomegranates are renowned for their high antioxidant content, particularly punicalagins and ellagic acid. Traditional and modern research suggests consumption may support cardiovascular health and reduce inflammation. [source]

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Natural dye source

Household

Pomegranate skin and leaves produce rich red, pink, and yellow dyes used historically for textiles. The peel can be used to create natural food colorants. [source]

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Garden decoration and landscaping

Ornamental

Pomegranate shrubs offer year-round visual interest with bright red flowers, attractive foliage, and striking fruit. Excellent for Mediterranean, xeriscaping, and edible landscapes. [source]

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Bird and pollinator attraction

Wildlife

Pomegranate flowers attract bees, hummingbirds, and other pollinators essential for fruit set. Mature fruit provides food for birds and wildlife. [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 pomegranates when skin develops deep, uniform color and fruit gives slightly to gentle pressure. Cut fruit from tree using pruning shears, leaving a small stem attached. Fruit does not continue ripening after harvest, though color may deepen. Store at cool room temperature or refrigerate for up to 3 months. Arils can be removed and frozen for extended storage.

Fun Facts

🌱 Pomegranate has been cultivated for over 4,000 years and appears in ancient Egyptian tombs and biblical texts as a symbol of fertility and abundance.
🌱 A single pomegranate fruit can contain 200-1,400 arils, and the entire fruit—including the bitter pith and skin—has been used in traditional medicine.
🌱 Pomegranate trees can live 100+ years and become quite large; some specimens in the Mediterranean region are over 200 years old and still productive.

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