Pomegranates

While not native to Arizona, the climate in our Sonoran Desert is ideal for cultivating the fruit-filled pomegranate bush (or tree if one trains them properly). Our family had a large pomegranate bush in Old Town Scottsdale that produced hundreds of pomegranates we enjoyed sharing with friends and family each year. Read on to learn more about the cultural and historical references to the pomegranate and how to cultivate these delicious berries in Arizona. 

The pomegranate likely originated in Iran and Afghanistan, and it has been seen as sacred by many world religions who have associated the fruit with love, marriage, sanctity, fertility, abundance, hope, prosperity, invincibility, perfection and in some cases funeral rights. Architecture and design have long featured depictions of the fruit including the pillars of King Solomon's temple and robes and regalia belonging to Jewish kings and priests. The pomegranate is one of the three blessed fruits in Buddhism. Found in Christian devotional statues and paintings of the Virgin and Child is, you guessed it, the pomegranate.         

Pomegranates have been a critical source of food and medicine in a variety of regions around the world for thousands of years. Historically, they were believed to treat a variety of ailments including: digestive disorders, skin disorders, and intestinal parasites. Contemporary medicine has found pomegranates can play a role in preventing serious conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer. Pomegranates contain antioxidants, large quantities of flavonoids, polyphenols, phenolic acids, with important functions for cell regulation. Pomegranates also contain potassium, vitamin A, C, E, calcium and iron.        

Capable of withstanding extreme heat and temperatures as low as 10 degrees, pomegranate trees are a hardy favorite for desert gardeners. These trees can be planted in Arizona from autumn through April with fruit ripening and ready to harvest in the fall. The rigidity and spikiness of pomegranate branches are complemented by the glossy, lance-shaped leaves. Pomegranate trees are sun-loving, and while they can grow in semi-shaded areas, they require full sunlight to synthesize sugars allowing fruit to achieve its full taste potential. Trunks can be prone to sunburn; if the tree was grafted, you should place the graft on the eastern side to shield it from the harsh western sun. Pomegranate trees flourish in well-drained loamy soil, but they aren't particular about soil type and adapt well to alkaline conditions. Regular watering is crucial for good fruit development. Requirements are similar to those for citrus: weekly during summer and bi-weekly in cooler months. 

Typically, pomegranates grow as dense, bushy shrubs, 6 to 12 feet tall, with slender, somewhat prickly branches. They can be trained to grow as small trees, reaching up to 15 feet. When shaped as a tree, pomegranates produce numerous suckers from the root and crown area. These should be removed, allowing only one trunk to develop. Remove additional suckers from the main trunk to establish a sturdy, compact structure. Light annual pruning of mature trees promotes quality fruit production. Dead or damaged wood should be removed in late winter, along with any suckering growth as it appears. They can also be espaliered against a wall for an appealing look. Space trees 10 to 12 feet apart. 

Avoid fertilizing pomegranates when first planting. Young trees should receive about 2 pounds of 8-8-8 or similar fertilizer in November and March. Mature trees require 5 pounds of a similar fertilizer at the same intervals. Over-fertilizing or late applications can delay fruit maturity and reduce color and quality. 

Pomegranate trees are considered to be monoecious; they possess both male and female blossoms on a single tree. While trees have the ability to self-pollinate, insects including bees and beetles are often attracted to their flowers, thereby assisting in the transfer of pollen. Pomegranate trees are self-fruitful and don't need cross-pollination from another tree to bear fruit.