How to Grow Pomegranate Acco
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Pomegranate Acco
Punica granatum 'Acco'
fruitAcco is a seedless or nearly seedless pomegranate cultivar prized for its soft, edible seeds and sweet-tart flavor. This deciduous shrub produces large, red fruits with thin, manageable skin and a high juice content. It's an excellent choice for home gardeners seeking a premium eating pomegranate with minimal seed bitterness.
When should you plant Pomegranate Acco in your zone?
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Example Pomegranate Acco timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Pomegranate Acco
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 Pomegranate Acco
Around Oct 14≈ 180 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Pomegranate Acco dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in USDA zones 8-11; can survive with protection in zone 7b
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Establishment (Year 1)
12 monthsYoung shrub develops root system and establishes basic structure with multiple stems
Water regularly to keep soil consistently moist (not waterlogged). Remove competing weeds. Stake if necessary for wind protection. Minimal pruning needed.
Vegetative Growth (Year 2-3)
24 monthsShrub grows taller (3-6 feet) and wider, developing dense foliage and branch framework
Begin structural pruning to create open vase shape. Thin out crossing branches. Apply balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) in spring. Increase watering during dry periods.
Flowering (Spring-Early Summer)
4-6 weeksSmall, bright orange-red funnel-shaped flowers appear at branch tips, some with male stamens only, some with pistils for fruit
Do not over-fertilize with nitrogen, which promotes foliage over flowers. Maintain consistent watering. Thin flowers if desired to encourage larger fruit. Flowers are fragrant and attract pollinators.
Fruit Development (Summer-Fall)
8-12 weeksFlowers give way to small green fruits that enlarge and develop the characteristic red color; fruits reach 2.5-3.5 inches in diameter
Thin fruit to 1 per flowering cluster for larger individual fruits. Water deeply and consistently to prevent fruit cracking. Apply potassium-rich fertilizer (such as 0-0-50) to enhance sweetness and color.
Harvest (Fall-Early Winter)
2-4 weeksFruits fully ripen, developing deep red skin and fully soft, edible arils inside; ready for picking when fruit feels slightly soft to pressure
Harvest when skin color is rich red and fruit yields slightly to gentle pressure. Use pruning shears or knife to cut stem. Handle carefully to avoid bruising. Store at room temperature or refrigerate.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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and
(Virachola isocrates)
Monitor fruits for entry holes; remove infested fruit promptly. Use pheromone traps. Light netting over fruits. Maintain good sanitation by removing fallen fruit.
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Spray dormant oil in winter. Use horticultural soap during growing season. Inspect and remove heavily infested branches.
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Strong water spray to dislodge. Insecticidal soap or neem oil. Yellow sticky traps for monitoring.
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Increase humidity through misting. Spray neem oil or insecticidal soap. Ensure adequate watering to reduce spider mite stress.
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Strong water spray. Insecticidal soap. Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs. Neem oil for severe infestations.
Uses
Fresh eating and juice
CulinaryAcco's seedless arils are prized for fresh consumption—simply eat the soft seeds and juice directly from the fruit. The juice is also excellent for juicing, smoothies, and beverages with a sweet-tart profile. [source]
Garnish and salad topping
CulinaryThe jewel-like arils add color, flavor, and nutritional value to salads, grain bowls, desserts, and plated dishes. Acco's minimal seeds make these garnishes especially pleasant to eat. [source]
Antioxidant-rich tonic
MedicinalPomegranate juice is rich in polyphenols and ellagic acid, traditionally used to support heart health, immunity, and circulation. Acco varieties are particularly sweet and palatable for medicinal consumption. [source]
Natural dye
HouseholdThe skin and rind yield deep reds and purples when used as natural fabric dyes. The tannins in pomegranate have been used historically for dyeing and tanning leather. [source]
Pollinator and bird attraction
WildlifeBright orange flowers attract bees and hummingbirds, while mature fruits eventually attract birds and wildlife. The plant provides both nectar and food resources in ornamental landscapes. [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 when skin transitions from yellow-green to deep red and fruit yields slightly to gentle pressure (typically September-November in Northern Hemisphere). The fruit does not ripen further after picking. Harvest by cutting the stem with pruning shears rather than pulling to avoid damaging branches. For Acco specifically, look for full color development and slight softness—this indicates peak sweetness and minimal bitterness in the arils. Store at room temperature for 1-2 weeks or refrigerate for up to 3 months. To extract arils, cut fruit in half and hold over a bowl, then tap the back with a spoon to release seeds.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Pomegranate Acco is named after a kibbutz in Israel where it was developed and selected for its nearly seedless characteristics, making it one of the most consumer-friendly pomegranate varieties.
- 🌱 The pomegranate has been cultivated for over 3,000 years and symbolizes fertility, abundance, and immortality across Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cultures; it's featured in ancient Egyptian tombs.
- 🌱 Acco pomegranates can produce fruit for 50+ years with proper care, making mature plants valuable long-term investments for home gardeners in appropriate climates.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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