How to Grow Pomegranate Mollar
Pomegranate Mollar
Punica granatum 'Mollar'
fruitPomegranate Mollar is a seedless or nearly seedless variety of pomegranate prized for its soft, edible seeds and sweet-tart juice. This deciduous shrub or small tree produces large, deep red fruits with thick skin and a compact growth habit. It's one of the most commercially valuable pomegranate cultivars, especially popular in Spain and the Mediterranean region.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 8-11, with best production in zones 9-10
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Growth Stages
Establishment
Year 1Young plant focuses on root development and branch formation; minimal flowering in first year.
Water regularly to establish roots. Remove flower buds in first year to redirect energy to growth. Stake if needed for support in windy areas.
Vegetative Growth
Years 1-3Plant develops dense branching structure, reaching 12-16 feet tall and wide if unpruned. New shoots emerge from base and branches.
Prune to shape and remove water sprouts and suckers. Apply balanced fertilizer in spring. Maintain consistent watering during dry spells.
Flowering
May-July (4-8 weeks)Bright orange-red flowers appear singly or in clusters in late spring through early summer. Flowers are ornamental with ruffled petals.
Flowers are self-fertile but cross-pollination increases yield. Thin flowers if over-flowering to promote larger fruit. Avoid excessive nitrogen which reduces flowering.
Fruit Development
June-October (4-5 months)Fertilized flowers develop into fruit; pomegranates gradually enlarge and change from green to deep red, orange-red, or burgundy depending on sunlight and maturity.
Thin fruit to one per shoot cluster for larger specimens. Reduce watering slightly in late season to concentrate sugars and deepen color. Watch for splits from excessive late rain or watering.
Harvest
August-NovemberMature fruits develop full color and skin begins to lighten slightly; fruit becomes slightly soft to gentle pressure. Mollar variety shows obvious color change.
Harvest when fruit sounds hollow and skin color is fully developed. Cut rather than pull to avoid branch damage. Store at room temperature or refrigerate; lasts 2-3 months cold.
Common Pests
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Use pheromone traps to monitor; apply neem oil or spinosad in early stages of infestation; remove affected fruit promptly
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Spray with horticultural oil in dormant season; use insecticidal soap for crawlers; prune heavily infested branches
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Use protein bait traps; remove fallen fruit; maintain fruit bag protection in endemic areas; harvest promptly
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Spray with water to dislodge; apply sulfur or neem oil; ensure adequate humidity; introduce predatory mites
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and
Hand-pick if population is low; use row covers on young plants; apply spinosad if damage is severe
Uses
Fresh Juice and Arils
CulinaryPomegranate Mollar arils (seeds) are soft, sweet, and nearly seedless, making them ideal for eating fresh or juicing. The juice is rich in flavor and widely used for beverages, cocktails, and desserts. [source]
Cooking and Preserves
CulinaryThe juice and arils are used in savory Middle Eastern dishes, glazes, marinades, and molasses. Pomegranate syrup (grenadine) is made by reducing the juice. [source]
Antioxidant and Health Benefits
MedicinalPomegranate is exceptionally high in antioxidants, polyphenols, and ellagic acid, traditionally used in folk medicine and supported by modern research for cardiovascular and digestive health. [source]
Ornamental and Landscape Use
HouseholdThe plant's orange-red flowers and attractive bright red fruit make it valuable as an ornamental in Mediterranean gardens. It's suited to containers, espalier, or specimen plantings. [source]
Traditional Dye and Leather Tanning
CraftPomegranate rind and skin have been used historically to produce red and brown dyes for textiles and to tan leather, particularly in traditional Mediterranean and Middle Eastern crafts. [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 color is fully developed (typically late August through October). The fruit should feel slightly soft and sound hollow when tapped. Use pruning shears to cut the fruit stem rather than pulling. Handle carefully to avoid skin splitting. Mollar variety produces less seed than traditional varieties, making it ideal for fresh eating. Fruit can hang on tree for several weeks after ripening without quality loss, allowing for selective harvesting.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Pomegranate Mollar is named after the Mollar region in Spain and is sometimes called 'Spanish Sweet' or 'Seeded' Mollar in English-speaking regions; it typically has 5-20% fewer seeds than other varieties.
- 🌱 The pomegranate is one of the oldest cultivated fruits, dating back to ancient Persia and Mesopotamia, and is mentioned in religious texts including the Bible and Quran as a symbol of fertility and abundance.
- 🌱 A single pomegranate can contain 200-1400 arils depending on the variety and growing conditions; Mollar typically produces medium-to-large fruits with sweeter, more tender seeds than seeded varieties.
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