Widely grown in South Carolina for their edible fruit, pomegranates are experiencing a surge in popularity due to the health benefits associated with pomegranate juice.
Pomegranate plants are deciduous shrubs or small trees that typically grow 12 to 20 feet tall and are well-suited for use in shrub borders. They make a great backdrop for small shrubs and perennials, and you can plant them in groupings or as screens. Their stunning flowers occur over a long period from late-May until fall and attract hummingbirds. Flower color varies from scarlet-red to orange, yellow, white or variegated depending on variety. The globe-shaped fruit ripen from August to October and are generally 2 to 3 inches in diameter, maturing from green to several different shades of red, depending on the variety.
Wonderful and Granada are two common varieties that grow well and produce fruit in most parts of South Carolina. Nana is a compact variety that performs quite well in large containers. To ensure adequate fruit set, the trees will need a location with plenty of direct sunlight, and you will need to plant two or more trees close by to provide cross-pollination.
Once established, pomegranates require little maintenance. They are very drought tolerant, but if fruit production is your goal, providing even soil moisture will reduce fruit drop and splitting. Fertilizing plants in March and July with 1 pound of 10‑10-10 for every 3 feet of plant height will also aid in fruiting. Pruning chores will be confined to periodically removing suckers and dead wood.
For more details on growing pomegranates, see HGIC Fact Sheet 1359.
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