The pomegranate tree is an ornamental and useful plant native to subtropics that is easy to care for and robust, but not hardy. That's why it is usually kept as a container plant in this country. Outdoor cultivation is conceivable in regions with mild winters.
How to cultivate a pomegranate tree in the garden?
Pomegranate trees can be grown in the garden as container plants or as outdoor plants in mild climates: late frost-hardy varieties such as Punica granatum Nana are suitable for both cultivations. A warm, dry and full sun location is ideal for optimal growth and fruit ripening.
The pomegranate tree (Latin Punica granatum) is a small, deciduous tree or shrub that grows wild from southeastern Europe to the Himalayas or is cultivated for the sale of fruit. The pomegranates come to Germany mainly from Spain, Israel, Turkey, Iran, Morocco, Egypt, Greece.
ornamental pomegranate trees
Punica granatum prefers a
- dry,
- warm and
- full sunny location.
In order for the fruits to ripen, they need a long, warm summer. Since summers are relatively short and cold in these latitudes, the fruits do not manage to ripen. That's why the small-growing pomegranate tree - Punica granatum Nana - is very popular in this country. The gardener can enjoy the delicate, coral-red flowers all summer long.
Raising as a container plant
The pomegranate trees and bushes are quite frugal when it comes to care. They can easily be cultivated as pot plants. In summer you place the pot in a sheltered spot in the garden or on the terrace, in winter you bring it into the house. Once the pomegranate tree has shed its leaves, it is taken to its winter quarters. Temperatures there should be between 2° and 10°C. During this time, the pomegranate needs no light and very little water so that it does not dry out.
Raising as an outdoor plant
There are frost-resistant varieties available in stores that are suitable for overwintering outdoors. These breeds (e.g. Uzbek, Gabes or Provence) can withstand sub-zero temperatures of around 15° C. In general, short drops in temperature are better tolerated than permanent frost. The young pomegranate bushes planted directly outdoors require good winter protection made of fleece (€23.00 on Amazon) or straw mats.
Tips & Tricks
The dwarf pomegranate trees should be frost-resistant down to -18° C from the second year onwards, so that they are also suitable for outdoor cultivation in mild winter climates.
