Punica granatum (Pomegranate) is a small fruit that is native to modern-day Afghanistan and Iran. It is grown throughout the world for its delicious fruit-laden seeds, cultural significance and as an ornamental in the garden. The Pomegranate also contains lots of health benefits and is easy to grow in a wide range of climates.
Suitable for Temperate, Dry and Sub-Tropical climates.
Punica granatum was introduced to California in 1769 by Spanish settlers. They are now widely grown throughout Asia, Europe, Africa and Australia. In the northern hemisphere, Pomegranates are in fruit between September and February while in the southern hemisphere, the fruiting season is between March and May.
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Growth
Punica granatum is a flowering deciduous fruiting tree that grows to 6 metres (20 feet) high by 4.5 metres (15 feet) wide. Pomegranates are slow-growing and can tolerate a wide range of soils and climates.
It has multiple spiny branches with opposite, glossy leaves that are narrow oblong and reach 7cm (3 inches) in length. The flowers are bright red with three to seven petals and are 3cm (1 inch) in diameter.
Although slow growing, a Pomegranate tree can begin to start flowering and fruiting within 4-5 years from seed germination. Usually long-lived, there are species of Pomegranate that are over 200 years old.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
For additional information visit our Growers Notes page or the list of the best gardening websites or check out the article about how to use your waste at home as a natural fertiliser.
FAMILY:
Lythraceae
CLIMATE:
Temperate, Dry and Sub-Tropical.
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
-10°C to 30°C / 14 to 86°F
SOIL TYPE:
Well-draining.
LOCATION:
Full Sun – Light Shade.
HEIGHT:
Up to 6 metres (20 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 4.5 metres (15 feet)
pH:
5.5-7.0
GROWTH TYPE:
Deciduous.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Low-Medium.
POLLINATION:
Pollinated by Bees.
MATURITY:
4-5 years.
GERMINATION RATES:
40-60%
GERMINATION TIME:
4-6 weeks at 15-25°C / 59-77°F
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Medium.
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 10
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes.
WEED POTENTIAL:
No.
EDIBLE:
Yes.
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 5 years.
FACTS ABOUT PUNICA GRANATUM (Pomegranate)
The world’s leading producers of Pomegranates are India and China followed by Iran, Turkey and Afghanistan.
In 1771, US President Thomas Jefferson planted pomegranates in his esteemed garden of Monticello.
Pomegranate skins may be used to stain wool and silk in the carpet industry, while the number of seeds in each pomegranate can vary from 200 to about 1,400.
Ancient Egyptians used pomegranates for the treatment of tapeworm and also used the fruit as a symbol of prosperity and ambition. Due to the large number of seeds, eating pomegranates during Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year is a tradition as it symbolises fruitfulness.
The name Pomegranate literally translates from Latin as ‘Seeded Apple’.
For more information on some of the health benefits of Pomegranate click here.
