The pomegranate tree is cultivated as a small tree or shrub, which in this country is usually kept in pots due to its sensitivity to frost. Since it tends to grow as wide as it is tall, regular trimming makes sense.
How do I prune a pomegranate tree?
To properly prune a pomegranate tree, perform thinning pruning in the fall and rejuvenation pruning in early spring. Remove damaged, dried or disturbing branches and shorten shoots that are too long accordingly.
The pomegranate tree (bot. Punica granatum) is a deciduous, flowering tree with reddish-brown bark, shiny leaves and spherical fruits consisting of a variety of edible seeds. The pomegranate tree comes from Asia and can live to a very old age. It is a robust and easy-care plant.
Since Punica granatum is not hardy, the tree often only survives in temperate climates if it is moved to a cool and dark winter quarters after the leaves have fallen. The pomegranate tree grows up to three meters wide and up to five meters high. The dwarf form is called Punica granatum Nana and only grows a maximum of one meter in height.
Cutting types
Basically - as with most fruit-bearing trees - the following types of cutting are possible:
- formative training cut in the first years after planting,
- Pruning after harvest or before winter rest,
- Rejuvenation pruning in spring to promote new growth.
Cutting time
Pomegranate trees are usually pruned in the fall before the leaves are shed and the tree is moved to its overwintering location. Shoots that are too long are shortened by a third or half and the crown is given the desired shape. The branches that are damaged, dried out, interfering with each other or are too thin should be removed.
In order to promote flower formation, pruning should be carried out in early spring before new growth. However, before you boldly grab the scissors, you should carefully observe the flowering behavior of your pomegranate tree. Some hobby gardeners report that pruning pomegranate trees and bushes has delayed flowering or has stopped flowering altogether after pruning.
Tips & Tricks
You can also train a pomegranate tree as a standard tree through targeted pruning measures. To do this, cut off the branches growing laterally until the desired height is reached. The subsequent strong pruning of the crown ensures its branching.
