Pomegranate - Punica granatum - €15

Some Christian scholars believe it was a pomegranate and not an apple that tempted Eve in the Garden of Eden, and she has our understanding! The Pomegranate is among the most delicious and nutrient rich fruits, containing significant amounts of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber in its jewel like contents. Pomegranate commonly grows to around 4 - 5 m in height as a large, as a woody round shrub or small tree and produces stiff branches covered with glossy, leathery lance-shaped leaves. The red flowers are showy and attractive to a large range of pollinators. A multipurpose tree that could be grown in a fruit garden, as a hedge or an ornamental, it is primarily valued for its edible fruit which also has numerous medicinal properties and is a good source of tannins. To order this plant please contact us [email protected]. 
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Context

  • native region: Asia - Turkey to north western India
  • native habitat: Dry limestone soils. Found at altitudes of 2700 in the Himalayas
  • family: S.E. Europe to E. Asia 

Predators

  • Sometimea susceptible to scales, whiteflies and various insect larvae

Needs, tolerances 

  • Light: Full sun 
  • soil pH:  Acid, neutral -basic alkaline 
  • USDA Hardiness Zone: 7 - 11
  • Prefers dry or moist soil
  • Prefers well drained soil
  • Needs a sheltered position
  • Tolerant of moderate saline soils
  • Thrives in fertile soil
  • Can tolerate some drought

Overview


  • Deciduous Tree growing to 5m by 8m at a medium rate 
  • It is in flower from April - May and the seeds ripen in September - October. 
  • The flowers are generally hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by insects.
  • Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils.
  • Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils .
  • Needs full sun. 
  • Prefers well drained soil
  • Can tolerate drought once established

Characteristics

  • form: Small tree
  • layer :Lower Canopy
  • habit: Deep rooted,multi stemmed
  • height x width (m): 5 x 8
  • years to bearing fruit: 5 - 7 (cultivar dependent)

Products 

  • Fruit: Large red fruits with interior compartments containing many delicious edible jewel-like pink-red seeds, called arils.  Many health benefits with anti inflammatory properties. Nutritionally very rich and notably high in Vitamin C.
  • Flowers: The flowers are borne on spurs from the current year's growth. Tube-shaped and long, they are a brilliant scarlet red and are very attractive to hummingbirds. The flowers are self-pollinating, though fertility is improved through cross-pollination.Many pomegranates will begin to display scattered flowers at a young age, although not produce a decent crop for around 5 - 7 years (cultivar dependent).
  • Wood: Spiny branches. The wood is pretty spindly,  but fine to be used to make smaller items such as wooden spoons and forks​​
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Functions, behaviours

  • Thrive against a south or west wall in cooler climates within the recommended zones
  • Adaptable to many soil types, though they grow best in loamy soil with good drainage
  • Can be prone to producing suckers, so remove them as they appear
  • Makes a great hedging plant due to it's woody nature
  • Works in a mixed flower border or standing alone as a specimen plant
If you would like this plant please send an email to [email protected] with your order. 
Balkan Ecology Project