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Fruit tree growing guide
Pomegranate seed germinates readily once the juicy pulp is removed, and seedlings grow into attractive, drought-tolerant shrubs. Each seedling is different from its parent, so fruit quality is a surprise; named varieties are grown from cuttings.
Fresh seed from a fruit is coated in juicy pulp that slows germination and encourages mould. Rub the seeds in a sieve under running water until the pulp is completely gone. In one study, seed cleaned of all pulp reached 60% germination, and 70% with a gibberellic acid soak.
Not needed. The woody inner seed absorbs water once the pulp is removed.
Not needed. Pomegranate is a subtropical plant and clean, fresh seed germinates without a cold period.
Not needed. Removing the pulp completely matters far more than soaking; just keep the sown seed evenly moist.
Keep trays warm. In temperate climates sow indoors in spring; in India sow in the warm season and avoid the coldest weeks in the hills.
Cover the seed with a thin layer of fine compost, about twice its thickness.
A light, free-draining seed compost; add sand or perlite to heavy mixes.
Keep evenly moist but not wet. Constantly soggy mix rots the seed.
Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they appear to keep them sturdy.
Usually a few weeks in warmth, and seedlings appear unevenly, so keep the tray going for a while after the first ones come up.
Pot seedlings on individually once they have a few true leaves and grow them in pots for the first season. Plant out in a sunny, well-drained spot; TNAU uses 60 x 60 x 60 cm pits spaced 2.5-3 m apart and plants from June to December.
Water regularly in the first year. Train to a single stem up to about 60 cm with 3-4 main branches, or keep 4-5 stems for a bush, and remove suckers from the base.
Seedlings vary in fruit quality. For a known variety, root 20-25 cm (8-10 in) hardwood cuttings in winter or use air layers; TNAU plants rooted cuttings or layers 12-18 months old.
Best fruit quality comes with a cool winter and a dry summer; in India it grows up to about 1,800 m. Most varieties are hardy to USDA zones 8-10 and are damaged below about -11 to -12 °C (10-12 °F).
Any well-drained soil with pH about 5.5-7.0. Established plants tolerate drought and some salinity, but even watering gives bigger fruit with fewer splits.
Prune after harvest: shorten last season's shoots by about one-third and remove dead, crossing and diseased branches. Fruit forms on short spurs of 2-3-year-old wood.
In cold regions grow pomegranate in a pot of at least 40-50 litres with good drainage and move it indoors for winter.
Clean the seed of all pulp and sow in warmth for sturdy young pomegranate plants.
Not exactly. Seedlings do not come true to variety, so fruit size, colour and taste vary. Grow a named variety from a cutting or air layer if you need a specific fruit.
Yes. Remove all the juicy pulp, rinse the seeds and sow them shallowly in a warm place. Expect variable seedlings.
Uneven watering and leaving ripe fruit too long on the tree. Keep the soil evenly moist while fruit swells and pick when coloured, slightly early rather than late.
