The pomegranate tree (lat. Punica granatum) is an ornamental and useful plant that is distributed from south-eastern Europe to the Himalayas. Meanwhile, the pomegranate is also very popular in Central Europe. It is sturdy and requires little maintenance.

Punica granatum is a subtropical, dwarf, deciduous tree or shrub. He likes it sunny, warm and dry, but is otherwise rather frugal in terms of location and care. Since the tree is not hardy, it is kept as a container plant in the garden or on the patio in summer and brought indoors in winter.

How often is pomegranate watered?

Water regularly in summer, but only when the top layer of soil has completely dried out. The pomegranate tree does not tolerate waterlogging. Brief water shortages are easily overcome.

When and how is fertilized?

Commercial complete fertilizers should be given from spring to late summer to ensure good growth. It is fertilized every two to four weeks, over-fertilization can possibly lead to impaired flowering.

When does repotting make sense?

The best time for repotting is in spring before new growth. Repotted as needed, e.g. B. if

  • the strong shrub threatens to tip over in a pot that is too small,
  • the roots have no more space in the pot,
  • the bloom fades.

Is cutting required?

The same applies to a pomegranate tree or bush as to most fruit-bearing trees: regular pruning promotes the formation of flowers and fruit, which only occurs on the new shoots. Pruning takes place in autumn after harvest or in spring before new growth. The young shoots are cut back by about a third, while the damaged, weak or mutually interfering branches are removed.

What should be considered when overwintering?

The pomegranate tree is not hardy and needs to be overwintered in a cool, frost-free spot. As soon as the temperatures drop, it sheds its leaves and can move to its winter quarters. There the tree should be dark at temperatures around 5 °C until February. During this time, it should only be watered very sparingly so that the plant does not dry out completely. From February, the tree can move to a warmer and brighter place, from where the bucket can go outside again in May.

What pests and diseases are there?

The pomegranate tree is not susceptible to disease. Only care mistakes can lead to the plant becoming ailing or being afflicted by pests. If the wintering location is too warm, the tree can be infested with lice or mites. If too little water is given during the growth phase, the tree will lose its leaves. Too much fertilizer impairs flowering.

tips and tricks

In most regions of Germany, the summer is too short and too cold, so the fruits don't manage to ripen. In return, the coral-red blossoms adorn the pomegranate bush throughout the summer.

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Category:

Trees