In the countries where they are grown, pomegranate trees are cultivated for their fruit, in regions with a cooler climate for their flowers. Both species are small trees or shrubs that can be cultivated without much effort.
ornamental or useful plant
The deciduous pomegranate tree thrives from south-eastern Europe to the Himalayas, where the fruits have a sufficiently long, sunny and dry summer to ripen. The main harvest time is between September and December. In this country, the fruits usually do not manage to ripen. That is why in Germany the flowering ornamental varieties such as B. Punica granatum Nana popular.
types of propagation
The pomegranate trees are propagated by seeds or cuttings. Plants propagated vegetatively (from seeds) run the risk of not forming flowers. In the case of generatively (from cuttings) propagated plants, on the other hand, rich flowering is often observed even on young plants. The flowers and fruits of home-grown pomegranate plants often take several years to appear.
Cultivation from seeds
For this purpose, thoroughly clean some of the fruit's seeds from the pulp and place them in a planter filled with soil. Potting soil or peat are well suited as a substrate. It is important that this is loose and low in nutrients in order to promote root formation. The seeds are light germinators.
Depending on the temperature, the germination time is 2-3 weeks. The soil in the pot should be kept constantly moist and the temperature should not fall below 20°C. If the seedlings are visible, they need a lot of light for further development. If you place the seedlings outside, make sure that they come to a sheltered, warm, initially partially shaded place and that they are slowly accustomed to the sun.
Propagation from cuttings
To do this, cut off a leafless side shoot of about 15 cm in length before new growth starts in spring and put it in a planter with potting soil or a sand-peat mixture. Root formation occurs after about 4-6 weeks. Temperatures around 20°C and high humidity are ideal for development. Once the leaves have formed on the cutting, it can be repotted.
tips and tricks
For better germination, the seeds should soak in warm water for several hours.
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