Pomegranate Trees
Pomegranate trees (Punica granatum) are among the easiest fruit trees to grow in most of Australia, thriving on heat, poor soil and the kind of neglect that finishes off softer fruit. This collection carries our pomegranate range: a self pollinating tree that reaches 2 to 4m, covers itself in bright orange red flowers through summer, and carries its first worthwhile crop within two to three years. It grows happily in the ground or a large pot, and is delivered Australia wide.
More information
Why pomegranates suit Australian gardens
The pomegranate evolved around the dry hills of Persia, which is why it feels so at home here. It fruits best where summers are hot and dry: Adelaide, Perth, inland New South Wales and Victoria, and the Riverland all grow superb pomegranates, and gardeners in South Australia in particular should consider it before most other fruit. In subtropical gardens the tree itself grows strongly, though summer humidity and rain near ripening can split some fruit. It is deciduous, handles frost once established, and copes with alkaline soil that upsets many other fruit trees.
Planting and care
Give it full sun, at least six hours a day, in free draining soil. Dig the hole twice as wide as the pot and no deeper, water in well, and mulch 75mm deep keeping the mulch off the trunk. Water deeply once or twice a week through the first summer; after that the tree is genuinely drought tolerant and only needs help in long dry spells while carrying fruit. Feed once in early spring with a complete fertiliser. Go gently, because heavy feeding grows leaves at the expense of flowers.
Pruning is light work. Shape the tree in winter, remove suckers from the base, and thin crowded growth so light reaches the centre. Fruit forms on short spurs of older wood, so avoid hard annual cutting. In a pot, choose a container at least 50cm to 60cm across with good drainage and expect a smaller tree with a still respectable crop.
Common questions
Do I need two trees for fruit?
No. Pomegranates are self pollinating, so a single tree sets fruit on its own. Bees improve fruit set, and a second tree can lift yields slightly, but it is not required.
How long until I pick fruit?
Expect the first fruit within two to three years of planting, with proper crops from year four as the spur wood builds up. Fruit ripens in autumn and does not ripen further after picking, so leave it on the tree until the skin deepens in colour.
Why is my fruit splitting?
Splitting is almost always uneven watering as fruit approaches ripeness. Water on a steady schedule from mid summer, mulch well to even out soil moisture, and harvest promptly once fruit colours rather than leaving it through autumn rain.