The pomegranate (Punica granatum) is one of the most ancient fruits known to mankind and deeply embedded in our history, dating back 4 000 years or more to Central Asia and Persia (Iran), where this apple-sized leathery fruit with its juicy bright red seeds became popular, providing both food and medicine for various cultures and civilizations. Since then the pomegranate has travelled the globe and impacted major civilizations throughout history.
Description:
Humans are still cultivating this shrub or little tree for its exotic looks, delicious fruit, and pretty orange-red blooms which appear in three flushes between September and November. The flowers are hermaphroditic, also known as perfect or bisexual flowers, meaning they can undergo self-pollination and are not dependent on pollinators. The tree is also cross-pollinated by insects which increases the yield.
Because pomegranates flower in stages, the fruit also ripens in stages, extending the harvesting season. The mature pomegranate is a complex fruit with an edible internal part and a hard skin that contains the colour pigment anthocyanin. Depending on the cultivar the skin can vary in colour from yellow and red to almost purple.
The close-packed red grains (arils) contain an angular-seed surrounded by an edible juicy pulp, which is classified as being sour, sweet-sour, or sweet. Pomegranates are divided into three main groups: Hard seeded, semi-hard seeded and soft seeded.
The tree is deciduous in some areas, but can also be evergreen or semi-deciduous depending on the climate.
Choose your planting site well because well-cared for pomegranate trees can bear fruit for over 30 years.
Cultivars/Varieties:
Several types of pomegranate are grown in gardens in South Africa.
Pomegranate ‘Mollar de Elche’
Mollar de Elche is named after the town of Elche, in Valencia, Spain. It is one of the best known of the old varieties with large, rounded fruit with basic cream skin, blushed with pinkish-red. The arils are dark pink in colour, juicy and low in acid, which makes it very sweet. The seeds are small and soft. The tree grows vigorously and is very productive, and the fruit matures between March and April.
Mollar de Elche’ tolerates light to moderate frost only. However, older, well-established plants will tolerate heavy frost for short periods of time.
Pomegranate ‘Wonderful’
The late-ripening 'Wonderful' is the most widely grown pomegranate in South Africa, and possibly the world. This classic variety sports large fruit with glossy skin that turns bright red when ripe. The arils are dark red in colour, very juicy, and of high quality. It has an exceptional, subtle sweet to tart taste with an almost wine-like character. The seeds are semi-hard. Fruit ripens in late February to April. It is an excellent variety for fresh eating and good for juicing.
Wonderful is a tree with a strong upright growth habit. It will tolerate moderate frost once established.
Pomegranate ‘Baghwa’
Baghwa is a vigorous growing tree also known as “Kesar”. This variety is known for its medium-sized fruit with an excellent quality. It is easily recognizable by its deep reddish-pink to reddish-purple skin that is often slightly rough and thick. The skin can sometimes have a slightly yellowish or brownish tint.
The arils are known for their bright red colour and regarded as one of the sweetest pomegranate varieties available. The seeds are soft and chewy. Fruiting season is from mid-March to April.
Although established trees can take short spells of quite low temperatures, Baghwa is not really suitable for cold, frosty areas. It stays almost evergreen in sub-tropical areas, and is known for its good coastal tolerance.
Pomegranate ‘Parfianka’
Parfianka is considered to be one of the best tasting cultivars. It produces medium to large sized, bright red fruit of good quality with arils that are deep red in colour. It has an excellent sweet, slightly tangy taste and the seeds are small, very soft and chewable. It is a vigorous grower with very good, consistent production. Fruit ripens from February and is excellent for eating and juicing.
It was developed by the Gargalla Agricultural Research Station in Turkmenistan, and is a vigorous growing tree with a compact bushy growth habit, and will tolerate moderate frost once established.
Pomegranate ‘Pazz’
Pazz pomegranate trees are a relatively new variety known for their unique qualities and characteristics. They are large, red-skinned fruit with deep red arils that are juicy with a sweet-tart flavour that is highly prized, and has soft, edible seeds.
Pazz pomegranates are considered moderately vigorous growers. They can tolerate some cold, but prolonged frost can damage the fruit and affect flowering.
Pomegranate ‘Cranberry’
The fruits of Cranberry are medium sized, and blocky shaped with an attractive glossy, dark-red skin. The juicy dark red arils are almost the same colour as a cranberry, and a good quality and size. It has a strong flavour that is sweet with a strong tart after taste. The seeds are semi-hard and chewable.
Developed by the University of California Cranberry is a vigorous growing tree with a tall bushy growth habit. It will tolerate moderate frost once established.
Pomegranate Purple Heart
Purple Heart produces medium to large fruit with a creamy-yellow based skin that is mottled and blushed with light red. The arils are medium to large, juicy and very dark purple-red colour. It has strong flavour and a well-balanced sweet-sour taste. The seeds are semi-hard. Fruit ripens from April.
Purple Heart is a vigorous growing tree that was developed in the United States. It will tolerate moderate to severe frost once established.
Pomegranate ‘Sirenevyi’
Sirenevyi produces large rounded fruits with a light-yellow base skin, mottled with a coral-pink colour. The very juicy arils are surprisingly attractive and a very dark, almost purple colour, and a subtle, sweet taste with no tartness. The seeds are very soft and chewable. Fruits ripen from early March.
Sirenevyi is one of the best late ripening varieties from Turksmenistan, and an excellent variety for eating fresh. It is tolerant of moderate frost once established.
Pomegranate ‘Corban’
Corban produces large fruits with glossy skin blushed with light-red when ripe. The ruby red arils are very juicy and sweet, and the seeds are soft. Fruits ripen from early March, and are excellent for eating fresh and also good for juicing.
It has a strong upright growth habit that, and will tolerate light to moderate frost once established.
Pomegaranate Flower Image by PublicDomainPictures from PixabayHistory & Interesting Facts about Pomegranates
Punica granatum is one of the most ancient fruits known to mankind and deeply embedded in our history, providing both food and medicine for various cultures and civilizations.
The word pomegranate comes from the Medieval Latin “pomum granatum,” meaning apple of many grains or seeds, and old cookbooks suggest that Europeans were using pomegranates 500 years ago, and they used the tart juice as a condiment, much as we use lemon juice today to cut the fats and oils common to certain foods.
Domestication of the pomegranate is believed to have begun in Central Asia and Persia nearly 4,000 years ago, and then spread east and west through hot, arid regions of India, Asia Minor and the Mediterranean coast.
The Romans mistakenly assumed pomegranates came from Africa, and the genus name given to pomegranates (Punica) was the Roman name for Carthage, an ancient city in Northern Africa.
The pomegranate was cultivated in Egypt before the time of Moses. When Tutankhamen was entombed in the Valley of the Kings pomegranates were put in the tomb, along with all the cherished possessions his people believed he would require on the “other side”.
When Islamic invaders occupied Spain and Sicily they brought the pomegranate with them. The Moorish king of Granada used the pomegranate as his heraldic emblem, and this province of Spain is thought to be named for the fruit and in many regions pomegranates are still commonly called “Granada fruit”. Pomegranates were later introduced to the Americas in the 16th century by Spanish missionaries and traders.
Because of its exotic appearance and prolific seed clusters, the pomegranate is rich with symbolic meanings that are as abundant as the seeds themselves.
In the Quran, pomegranates grow in the Garden of Paradise and are referred to on multiple occasions as ‘God’s good creations’. In Turkey, a bride traditionally determined how many children she would have by smashing a pomegranate to the ground to see how many seeds were expelled.
The pomegranate was also highly esteemed by the wandering Israelites as a symbol of sanctity, abundance and faithfulness. The fruit was embroidered into the hem of the high priest's robes and carved into the capitals of the temple pillars. According to Ancient Iranian Christianity the pomegranate is believed to be the real forbidden fruit rather than the apple.
In Greek mythology, the pomegranate was known as the ‘fruit of the dead’ as it was said to have arisen from the blood of Adonis. It also prominently featured in the myth of Hades and Persephone, where Hades, God of the underworld, used pomegranate seeds to trick Persephone into returning to the underworld for a third of each year. After this period, she came back to earth, signalling the beginning of spring. Thus the pomegranate became a symbol of rejuvenation and eternal life.
Alongside death, the pomegranate also symbolised fertility in Ancient Greece and Rome. It had a strong association to Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, as well as Hera, the Greek goddess of marriage and childbirth. In Ancient Rome newlywed women wore crowns woven from pomegranate leaves, and the juice of pomegranates was used to cure infertility.
Influenced by the Persephone myth, the early Christians associated the pomegranate with resurrection. The multitude of seeds contained within became a symbol of chastity, and the unity of many under one authority, namely the church.
In China, the pomegranate is a symbol of fertility, and Buddha is often depicted holding a pomegranate suggesting an abundance of sons, a peach to represent years, and a citron for happiness.
Health benefits of Pomegranates
Ancient cultures understood the health benefits of pomegranates and used them in remedies for digestive disorders, skin disorders, and intestinal parasites, to name a few.
Modern day research has revealed that pomegranates may contribute towards preventing serious conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
The fruit is an excellent source of antioxidants and pomegranate seed oil is a rich source of punicic acid (antioxidant, anti-inflammatory) and used in natural cosmetics and skin care. It is also rich in vitamin C, potassium, iron, and folic acid.
Pomegaranate seeds Image by Karyna Panchenko from PixabayHow to use pomegranate fruit
Pomegranate seeds are delicious and versatile, making them easy additions to a variety of dishes. The edible portion of the fruit includes the seeds and the juice-filled sacs that cover them. Pomegranate seeds or juice can be used as a substitute for citrus when it is called for in a recipe. Dried pomegranates seeds and juice sacs are available as spices in specialty stores.
Pomegranates can be made into jellies, sauces and syrups, and are refreshing in puddings and desserts. They are also a delicious topping for chilled fruits or ice cream. Toss them into a green or fruit salad, or sprinkle some seeds onto your yogurt or oatmeal. They are also great added to smoothies or juices.
Pomegranate juice formed the base for the original French Grenadine. This thick, non-alcoholic, red-coloured syrup was used in cocktails. Not any more though, today’s Grenadine does not contain any pomegranate, so why not make your own Grenadine to use as flavouring for many beverages like sangria, cocktails, or mocktails.
Pomegranate juice, with its tangy and sweet flavour can also be made into wine.
Pomegranates work well in savoury dishes too, so get creative and try using them as a tangy garnish on avocado toast, or to garnish grilled meat dishes and seafood. There is a whole world of yummy pomegranate recipes online like: Pomegranate Chicken Salad; Sweet Potatoes with Coconut, Pomegranate, and Lime; Spinach Pomegranate Salad; Pomegranate and Kiwi Salsa; and Ginger Orange Pomegranate Relish.
Storing Pomegranates
The storage of pomegranates is similar to that of apples. They should be kept in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place, out of direct sunlight. Whole fruit can be refrigerated and will keep as long as 2 months. Fresh seeds or juice will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Pomegranate arils can be frozen for later use. Spread a single layer of the arils, on a baking sheet lined with wax paper. Put them in the freezer for no more than 2 hours, then transfer to a sealed freezer bag or container for storage. The juice can also be canned, however freezing is recommended as it maintains the flavour and colour better. Frozen juice is best if used within one year.
How to remove pomegranate seeds
One popular and easy method for removing pomegranate seeds involves using a wooden spoon.
First, cut the fruit in half around the middle. Then, hold it over a bowl with the seed side facing down. Firmly hit the pomegranate skin with the back of a wooden spoon until all the seeds have fallen out.
Rinse and strain the seeds to remove any unwanted pith remnants. Now, the arils are ready to enjoy.
Using Pomegranate trees in the landscape
Pomegranates flaunt their lush green leaves and repeat flushes of vibrant red flowers in spring and summer, and in late summer and autumn their exotic fruits are harvested, giving garden landscapes interest and colour for 3 out of the 4 seasons!
Pomegranate trees are very versatile and can be used in a variety of creative ways in the landscape, and adding a unique flair to your garden design.
In small gardens they make enchanting small specimen trees, and in colder regions they are deciduous, allowing the winter sunshine into the garden.
They also grow easily in large pots or containers. Choose large, statement pots to create a focal point with your pomegranate trees. Larger patios can accommodate multiple trees, creating a mini orchard vibe that's perfect for entertaining or relaxation. For smaller patios, a single pomegranate tree can serve as an elegant centrepiece, especially when under planted with complementary flowers or herbs. Pomegranate trees also make wonderful bonsai trees.
Pomegranates make good screening plants and hedges, and are popular for growing as espalier - the process of controlling plant growth in a flat plane, usually against a wall or fence, or along a trellis.
Cultivation:
What is the most suitable climate for Pomegranates?
Pomegranates thrive in subtropical Mediterranean type climates with cool winters and hot summers.
The trees are extremely heat tolerant once established, and perform best when temperatures are above 29°C for at least 120 days a year.
Commercial pomegranate production in South Africa is mainly based in the Western Cape (80%). In the Northern Cape, pomegranates are mainly planted along the Orange River due to the availability of water. Some plantings are also found in the Southern Cape.
Pomegranates are also commercially cultivated in several areas of Limpopo Province, including near Polokwane, Groblersdal, and the Waterberg District Municipality. In South Africa, commercially grown fruit from Limpopo can be harvested early, by the end of January, and sent to Northern Hemisphere markets before fruit from competitor countries such as Peru.
Are Pomegranate trees cold and frost hardy?
This Mediterranean crop does extremely well in cold and frosty regions like Gauteng and commercial farming of pomegranates is growing in this region.
Although most types of pomegranate are hardy down to -11°C once they are established, with the hardier types surviving without damage down to -13°C, the trouble starts when severe frost and temperatures around -10°C occur on a regular basis, and although established trees will withstand these temperatures, this will affect growth and therefore fruiting.
The trees are most susceptible to frost damage prior to reaching full "dormancy" in autumn, and again at bud break in spring. It is during these periods that the bark is most susceptible to damage from frost, which usually occurs first on the south side of the tree closest to the ground. If frost damage is a problem, a possible solution is to paint the lower bark white with latex paint in order to reduce fluctuations between day and night time temperature extremes.
If you live in a colder region, plant in a warm sheltered position on the northern side of your house to maximise light and warmth. If you have your pomegranate in a pot, you can easily move it closer to the house so that it receives some radiant heat from the walls at night.
Do Pomegranate trees have minimum chill hour requirements?
With the exception of a few cold-hardy cultivars, which require temperatures to drop below -5°C in winter to fruit well, the majority of pomegranate varieties do not require winter chill hours.
However, all varieties will benefit from a winter rest period or "dormancy".
Can Pomegranate trees be grown in pots?
Pomegranates are one of the easiest fruits to grow in large pots because they have a shallow root system, when compared with other fruit trees.
Do Pomegranate trees require full sun?
In full sun exposure the best fruit will be produced, but trees will also flower and fruit in semi-shade.
For orchards, align the rows and planting slopes for optimum sun exposure and good soil drainage. A north-south orientation is best as the plant gets an equal amount of sunlight on both sides of the tree during the day. Allow at least 5m between rows and at least 2m between trees in a row.
If an orchard is too crowded, production is lowered as fruits are set only at the top of the trees, and colouring of the fruit is poor.
How much water do Pomegranate trees require?
Pomegranates are drought tolerant, and more likely to die from too much water than too little. Young trees need regular irrigation until they are established. Thereafter, established trees will only need a thorough watering, about once every 2 to 3 weeks during the dry season.
For a high fruit yield the trees should be irrigated during long dry spells, and particularly during harvesting time in late summer and early autumn. This will also reduce the number of fruits that split.
As your tree begins its rest period in late autumn and winter, you should still water it at least once a week because it is difficult to raise the soil moisture levels fast enough after winter if you cease watering altogether. Adapt to your local weather conditions and in our winter rainfall areas, you may not need to water at all.
In spring increase watering to twice a week and in the height of summer you may need to water your plants 2 to 3 times per week. As always, adapt your watering schedule to local conditions and accommodate for summer rainfall or hot dry periods.
Potted specimens may need more frequent watering than those growing in garden beds, so check the plants regularly.
Your pomegranate fruit may split with too much water or inconsistent watering during late fruit development. Thankfully, split fruit is still edible!
What soil type is best for Pomegranates?
Pomegranates will adapt to most garden soils will good drainage, but they thrive in neutral to slightly acidic soils with a PH range from 5 to 7.5. Increase the microbial life in the soil by adding good quality compost when planting. If your soil is alkaline, amend the soil with acid compost, soil sulphur or aluminium sulphates.
Compact soils will restrict root penetration as well as oxygen, water penetration and water movement in the soil. In shallow soils, the availability of soil volume per tree is smaller and the tree is more susceptible to drought and malnutrition.
Avoid growing pomegranates on poorly drained soils with high clay content as this might lead to root rot. If your soil has less than perfect drainage, plant your tree on the side of, or at the top of a slope. If you have a flat garden, consider building a mound or a raised garden bed to increase drainage, or use a large pot.
Mulching around the base of the plant regularly with organic material will help to retain moisture, and keep weeds away. Ensure that the mulch is not piled up against the trunk.
Fertilising Pomegranate trees
During late winter and early spring the trees should be fertilized with a high nitrogen and potassium mix like 5:1:5 NPK with the first irrigation cycle to boost the trees after winter and assist with flowering. For the rest of the season, feed regularly with 2:3:2 NPK and guano boost.
After all the fruit has been harvested feed the trees for the last time and then slowly start to reduce the frequency of watering to prepare them for their winter dormancy.
To prevent nutrient deficiencies regularly enrich your soil with organic matter. One of the few common deficiencies in pomegranates is zinc (Zn), recognised as a yellowing of immature leaves, smaller leaf size, and withered stems.
Foliar applications may include foliar zinc (Zn) after fruit set, and boron (B) during flowering, and liquid kelp. Trelmix is a great foliar spray with both macro and micro nutrients.
Potted specimens will need regular feeding throughout the growing season.
Thinning fruit clusters
Trees benefit from thinning out of fruit clusters after fruit set. Fruit set is when new fruit is just beginning to take shape after flowering.
Pomegranate Bonsai Image by Jürgen from PixabayWhen to harvest pomegranates
The fruit must ripen on the tree, which will happen six to seven months after flowering. The rule of thumb dictates that when you tap the fruit and it makes a metallic sound it is ripe.
There is a fine balance in harvesting pomegranates as the fruit must be ripe, but when it is overripe it may crack open. This can be caused by a slight change in humidity, dry wind, rain, or even insufficient water.
The fruit needs to be clipped off the tree rather than pulled off as pulling the fruit off can tear the skin. Like apples, pomegranates have a long shelf life and can be stored for up to four months in optimum conditions.
How to prune pomegranates
Fruit is borne only at the tips of new growth, so in the first three years it is prudent to shorten the branches annually, to encourage the maximum number of new shoots on all sides.
After the third year trim out the suckers and dead branches and maintain the shape of the plant. Even mature trees grow vigorously and send up a large number of suckers (shoot and basal) that need to be removed each year.
Light pruning each year encourages the growth of new flower and fruit bearing spurs. Bent branches, and those that interfere with others, need to be removed to keep the interior of the tree open.
How to propagate pomegranates
Pomegranate trees can be grown from seeds or propagated from hardwood cuttings, but it's best to initially buy a named cultivar from a garden centre.
Take 25 to 50cm long hardwood cuttings. The cuttings should be placed in a garden bed with one or two buds above the soil and allowed to remain in place for a year. Thereafter they can be transplanted to their permanent positions.
Problems, Pests & Diseases of Pomegranates
Pomegranates, like most fruit trees, may be susceptible to various pest species.
Preventative spraying for controlling false codling moth and fruit fly is highly recommended.
Members can click here to read more about coddling moths.
Members can click here to read more about fruit fly
Aphids, will attack young shoots and leaves which appear as twisting or curled new growth.
Members can click here to read more about aphids
Scale insects are often visible as white, yellow, or dark ‘disk’ shaped invertebrates on the stems. You should be able to remove them from the stem easily with your fingernail. The first sign of scale is normally ants travelling up and down the stems, in order to farm the scale.
Members can click here to read more about scale.
Also watch out for mealybugs, mites, and whitefly.
Spraying the trees as a preventative measure will go a long way in controlling these pests. The first spray should be done after 80% of the blossoms have fallen, and every 14 days thereafter. Insecticides are always applied after most of the petals of the blossoms have fallen, and never when the trees are in full bloom, because of the high risk of harming pollinators like bees.
Neem oil is a great preventative bio-pesticide of plant origin for the control of all the insects mentioned above, and many others too. In addition to deterring feeding insects, neem functions to suppress moulting of certain insects, including Codling Moth and Plum Curculio, disrupting the normal metabolic activity of insects.
Our spraying programme for deciduous stone fruits is great to use on pomegranate trees. Members can click here to find it.
Diseases are rare in well-maintained trees.
The most common disease in pomegranates is root rot, often caused by over-watering, which can be difficult to control in periods of high rainfall. Be attentive to how fast your soil dries and base your watering schedule around this.
Pomegranates can also suffer from black rot that affects fruit.
Keep mulch well away from the trunk to avoid collar rot, and water correctly.
Being a Mediterranean shrub, pomegranates love hot, dry places. By replicating this as best as you can, you’ll have no problems with the above diseases. Healthy plants are more resilient, and can bounce back better.