Punica granatum aka Pomegranate

Taxonomy

Genus Punica Family Lythraceae Order Myrtales Class Magnoliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Punica granatum, also known as the pomegranate, is a deciduous shrub or tree that can grow up to 10 meters tall. It is a fruit-bearing plant that is widely cultivated in regions including the Middle East, Caucasus, Africa, Iran, Central Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Mediterranean Basin. The round red fruit of Punica granatum is used in cooking, baking, juice blends, smoothies, and alcoholic beverages. It is typically in season from March to May in the Southern Hemisphere and from September to February in the Northern Hemisphere. There are dwarf versions available that stay below 1.2 meters. Another valuable tree is Liquidambar styraciflua, also known as the Sweetgum. It is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 120 feet tall and is found in wet river bottoms, swamps and drier uplands. Though it has a shallow root system, it should be planted in the spring. The Sweetgum's troublesome fruit can be a nuisance for homeowners.

Common names

Pomegranate

How to care for Pomegranate

Difficulty

Pomegranate requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.

Water

Pomegranate should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Pomegranate loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Pomegranate requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Pomegranate will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Pomegranate to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more during this period.

Toxicity

Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.

Fertilizer

The Pomegranate should be repotted either when it doubles in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing new potting soil with all the vital nutrients annually is enough to support the growth of the plant, and thus, there is no need for fertilizer. Remember that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Pomegranate’s native range is S.E. Europe to E. Asia - Himalayas.

More info:
Wikipedia

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