The pomegranate is a unique fruit, used both for food, medicine, and dyes.
On the outside, pomegranates (Punica granatum) resemble a cross between an apple, an orange and a grapefruit. On the inside, however, they are filled with arils. Arils are similar to corn kernels, and serve as the casing for the seeds. The arils are typically brilliant red, and are the part of the fruit that is typically consumed, offering a sweet taste with a hint of sourness as well.
History
Pomegranates are found all over the world, but are native to southeastern Europe, the Middle East and Asia. The Spanish brought them to the Americas in the 16th century, and they are often grown in the United States in Florida, California and Texas. Throughout history, pomegranates have been used medicinally for thousands of years for everything from hemorrhoids to intestinal parasites. The fruit and shrub together have also been used to create vivid red, yellow and black dyes throughout the ages.
Growing Environment
Pomegranates require lots of sun to thrive, but can survive without damage in temperatures above 18 degrees Fahrenheit. They require soil that allows for drainage, and are suited primarily for soil with a pH that is slightly acidic or neutral, but have been known to do well in moderate alkaline soils as well. A regular watering schedule should be used (typically every seven to 10 days), but overwatering can cause early fruit drop, meaning that some fruit on the pomegranate shrub won't reach maturity. While pomegranates shrubs can be grown in many environments, growing in states that are far north will most likely result in little to no fruit production due to the colder winters.
Fruit Production
A pomegranate shrub usually doesn't produce fruit until it is at least a year old, and often won't produce fruits that don't drop early until it is a few years old. Fruits typically grow on the pomegranate shrubs starting in early summer and lasting a few weeks into the fall. The pomegranate shrub is self-fruitful, meaning that a second plant isn't necessary to achieve fruit production.
Care
While pomegranates are naturally shrubs, they can be groomed to be a more tree-like plant as well. This requires constant pruning from an early age to eliminate extra large stocks from growing from the main "trunk." Pomegranates benefit from nitrogen fertilizers, but over-fertilization can cause poor fruit production. Speak with a local nursery to find out more about pomegranate requirements in your region.
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