The pomegranate tree is a hardy and attractive tree with its summer show of vibrant red flowers followed by large, round, red fruit. It can be used as a feature plant, hedging or container specimen. Native to Northern India and Iran, it grows to around 4m and is deciduous, multi-stemmed, spiny and long lived.

The versatile fruit can be eaten fresh, used to make juice, preserves and add interest to salads. The bright colourful fleshy seeds are easily picked out and taste truly wonderful. The flavour varies from sweet and fragrant to tart and citrusy depending on the variety. Most trees will produce their first crop in two to three years.

Position

The pomegranate is perfect for Perth as it is ideally suited to cool winters and hot summers.  Their deciduous nature makes them hardy against frosts. Pomegranates like a position in full sun in moderately fertile, well drained soil. See our guide to planting trees for information on how to improve the soil before planting.

Water well to establish new plants during the first couple of summers. Once established, pomegranates are very drought tolerant and require minimal watering during warmer months.

Harvesting

The fruit ripens in autumn to winter, usually 6-7 months after flowering. They are ready to be picked when they have good red colour and are about the size of a tennis ball. The largest and most colourful fruit should be cut off first with no stem attached. When split open, the inside of the fruit looks like rows of red fleshy seeds.  The flesh surrounding the seeds can be eaten but spit the seeds out.

Varieties

The most common varieties include Wonderful and Elcite. We also have a fantastic variety available in our bare root selection including Flore Pleno and Mollar de Elche. Generally pomegranates are self-fertile so you only need one tree for fruit production.

Pruning

Pomegranates can be pruned to a single trunked tree or maintained as a shrub. Fruit is produced on new growth. Cut back annually in winter for the first few years to promote a strong structure with dense growth. This initial pruning will encourage an appealing shape and promote productivity in the following seasons. As the tree matures, thin out older branches and remove dead or weak growth in winter. Remove suckers if they appear at the base.

Fertilising

Pomegranates will benefit from improved soil when planted and a well-balanced controlled release fertiliser each spring and autumn. Annual application of compost and manure when refreshing the mulch is highly beneficial and maintains soil health.

Want to taste some of your own home-grown Pomegranates? Shop Pomegranates

Please note that this is intended as general information only. Please ask one of our qualified horticulturists for more specific advice for your situation.