Probably aboriginal to Persia and the surrounding area , the pomegranate was naturalise in ancient Greece . The scientific name ofPunica granatumderives from “ pomuni granatum , ” or seeded Malus pumila , and was go for to the fruit in the Middle Ages . Pomegranates do well in hot , arid part as well as more temperate climates .
About the Pomegranate
The pomegranate tree is a small tree diagram or shrub , rarely more than 30 foot tall . Deciduous , it bears bright redflowersin spring and scarlet , hard - shelledfruitsin fall . The fruits are composed of clusters of individual arils with juicy tart - sweet physique environ by a thin tissue layer and encasing a semen . source are eaten stark naked , fudge or dry and the fruit may be juiced .
Pomegranate Varieties
There are only two forms of pomegranate tree : Punica granatumandPunica protopunica . The former has more than 500 named cultivar although marvelous is the variety most often grown in the US . Varieties include :
Soils for Pomegranates
Pomegranates are highly adaptable andgrowin a all-encompassing range of soils . They do best in neutral to slightly acidic soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 7 . However , they will grow in acidic flaxen loams and alkaline calcareous soils or even – as in common in India – stony crushed rock . However , they will not do well in intemperate Lucius DuBignon Clay unless it is heavily remediate to promote good drainage .
USDA Zones
aboriginal to wry , hot areas , pomegranates typically do well in USDA zone 8 to 10 . However , some form are more frost hardy and can be grow in Zone 7B , with winter temperatures as low as 5 ° F ( -14.9 ° C ) . Others will do well in the warmer area of Zone 11 . Hard - seed varieties are typically more cold brave than soft - seeded mixed bag .
Around the World
Pomegranates have expanded well beyond their original range in what is now Iran . Moving first through Afghanistan and Pakistan to northern India , they made their way into Spain . Spanish explorers take them to America in the 16th century and the trees did very well in California . Pomegranates are cultivated in the Middle East , drier area of southeast Asia and the Mediterranean .
Major Pomegranate Producers
India is the world ’s leading commercial-grade pomegranate producer and grower are able to produce yield year round . Iran , the pomegranate ’s original dwelling , is the second prominent producer . In accession to India and Iran , Afghanistan , Morocco , Spain and Turkey bring out mellow - quality yield . Other country where pomegranates are grown commercially include Tunisia , China , Greece , Japan , France , Armenia , Cyprus , Egypt , Italy , Palestine and the US .
US States for Pomegranates
California is the run commercial producer of pomegranates in the US . Tulare , Fresno and Kern counties have the largest pomegranate orchard , although there are also smaller plantings in Imperial and Riverside county . pomegranate are also uprise in Arizona and Texas . Although Spanish Ruby and Sweet Fruited were historically the lead mixture in California , they were supersede by Wonderful . Grenada is now becoming the most democratic variety .
Pomegranates in the Garden
If you inhabit in a USDA Zone where pomegranates can be uprise , your master thoughtfulness is soil . Native to dry regions and drought tolerant , pomegranates must have well - drained dirt . Either repair the soil with coarse sand and/or use raised beds to ensure tolerable drainage . Plant the tree in full Sunday and do n’t crowd with other plants . Irrigation is normally unneeded .
Pomegranates in Containers
Choose one of the smaller multifariousness such as Eversweet , Pink Satin or Sweet . Punica granatum must have a 10 - gal or larger container . Potting grunge with the accession of uncouth builder ’s gumption and a grass with fair to middling drainage will help forbid root rot . H2O deeply once a week . fertilise with an organic 10 - 10 - 10 plant food in November , February and May for the first two years , then in only in November and February .
Pomegranates Indoors
If you live in a cold climate , you’re able to still grow pomegranates indoors . Choose a gnome variety such asPunica granatum‘Nana . ’ Your pomegranate tree must have well - drained soil – be careful not to over - weewee . Place the plant in a southern or eastern exposure for maximal light . Indoor nighttime temperature should range from 50 to 60 ° F ( 10 to 16 ° one C ) in the growing season and 40 to 45 ° F ( 4 to 7 ° century ) in wintertime .
