Pomegranate
Punica granatum
Zones
7b–10a
Chill hours
100 to 200
Sun
full
Lifespan
50 to 200 years
Growing pomegranate
Detailed guidance for this section is being prepared. Check back soon.
Recommended varieties
- Wonderful. Sweet-tart, bright red juicy arils with classic pomegranate flavor; the standard commercial cultivar. Fresh eating, juice, garnish, salads. Zones 8a–9b.
- Salavatski. Sweet-tart, large pink-red arils with a softer seed than Wonderful; fresh, juice. Cold-hardy Russian variety extends pomegranate to zone 7b. Zones 7b–9a.
- Kazake. Sweet, soft seeds, pink arils; pleasant fresh eating. Cold-hardy Russian heirloom; less commercial appeal but good for backyard growers in cooler zones. Zones 7b–8b.
- Parfianka. Sweet, complex wine-like flavor, soft edible seeds; fresh eating, juice. Considered one of the best-tasting pomegranates by enthusiasts. Zones 8a–9b.
Soil and site requirements
Detailed guidance for this section is being prepared. Check back soon.
Common diseases
- Pomegranate Leaf Blotch (fungal). Fungal disease causing leaf and fruit blotches in humid pomegranate-growing regions.
Common pests
- Leaf-Footed Bug (Leptoglossus species). Pomegranate's primary pest in the southwestern US, piercing fruit and causing spoilage.
Common challenges
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Companion plants
- lavender (beneficial): Lavender shares pomegranate's drought tolerance and attracts pollinators during pomegranate bloom.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
- What zones does pomegranate grow in?
Pomegranate grows in USDA zones 7b through 10a.
- How many chill hours does pomegranate need?
Pomegranate requires approximately 100 to 200 chill hours below 45°F to break dormancy properly.
- How long until pomegranate produces?
Days to harvest range from 150 to 215 days after bloom, depending on variety and zone.
- What sun and water does pomegranate need?
Pomegranate prefers full sun and low water. Lifespan is typically 50 to 200 years.