Lexi Webster
Pomegranates (Punica granatum) are a Mediterranean and Middle Eastern fruit that can be grown in Australia. They are self-pollinating and can be grown from seeds or cuttings. Pomegranate trees are attractive, manageable bushes or small trees that can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions and are drought-tolerant. They grow well in South East Queensland and Melbourne, and there is an Australian pomegranate industry that is growing in fresh fruit, juices, and global markets.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Growth in Australia | Grow well in South East Queensland |
| Popularity | Not very popular |
| Usage | Used for jam, wine, grenadine, juice, molasses, and Middle Eastern and Moroccan dishes |
| Tree Height | 5-7 metres |
| Tree Width | 5 metres |
| Dwarf Varieties | Nana grows to 1 metre |
| Soil Type | Well-drained, slightly acidic soil |
| Sun Exposure | Need maximum sun exposure |
| Temperature | Tolerate temperatures of -9° to -12°C |
| Pruning | Light annual pruning |
| Fruiting Time | 3-5 years |
| Self-Pollinating | Yes |
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What You'll Learn
Pomegranates grow in South East Queensland
Pomegranates (Punica granatum) are native to the Eastern Mediterranean, North Africa, Afghanistan, and Iran, but they can also be grown in South East Queensland. They are versatile, attractive, tasty, and can adapt easily to the range of conditions in the region.
Pomegranates are very hardy and can be grown anywhere in Australia. They are frost and drought-tolerant and can withstand temperatures as low as -9° to -12°C. They are adapted to dry summers, so they should be planted in well-drained areas. A site with a slight slope is ideal. They grow best in full sun and can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions, although they prefer slightly acidic, well-drained soil. They will grow in a variety of soil types, from sand to clay, but do best in deep, loamy, well-drained soil. Improve the soil by digging in some organic matter like compost or well-aged cow manure.
The best time to plant pomegranates is late autumn or winter, when they are available in stores as bare-rooted trees. Soak the roots in a bucket of diluted seaweed solution and prepare the planting hole by digging a hole twice as wide and to the same depth as the existing root ball. Create a small mound of soil in the centre of the hole, place the tree, and spread its roots evenly over the mound. Regular deep watering for the least six months is recommended, especially during the summer when the fruit is developing.
Pomegranates can be pruned into a single-trunk tree, but if you are concentrating on fruit development, it is better to allow them to become bushy. A light annual pruning will encourage good quality fruit. They can also be shaped into a hedge.
Fruiting normally occurs 3-5 years after planting but may take longer. The fruit will be ready for harvest when it begins to split, and it will store for several months.
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They require lots of sun exposure
Pomegranate trees require lots of sun exposure to grow well and produce fruit. In Melbourne's climate, for instance, the trees need maximum sun exposure for the fruit to fully ripen. Pomegranates are typically planted in the hottest part of the garden. They can withstand low temperatures of -9° to -12°C and are very drought-tolerant. However, they are adapted to dry summers, so it is important to plant them in well-drained areas. A site with a slight slope is ideal.
Pomegranates will be more productive when stems can receive ample sunshine. They grow best in well-drained soil and do not tolerate prolonged wet or soggy conditions. If your soil is heavy and poorly drained, plant the pomegranate into a raised mound of free-draining soil. Pomegranates also require regular deep watering for the first six months after planting.
Pomegranate trees can grow to a height of 5-7 metres and are often 5 metres wide, especially if neglected and not pruned regularly. They can be pruned to a particular desired shape, such as a tree shape or a bushier shrub. The trees take three to five years to fruit, and the fruit will begin to split when it is ready for harvest.
In addition to sun exposure, pomegranates require slightly acidic, well-drained soil but will grow in a range of soils, including poor and heavy ones. They are self-pollinating, meaning they do not require another tree for cross-pollination to produce fruit. They have dense green foliage in all conditions and produce distinctive orange/red flowers in spring.
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Pomegranate trees are self-pollinating
Pomegranates are self-fruitful, but planting another pomegranate tree nearby can increase fruit production on both plants. Cross-pollination is not necessary but can be beneficial. Inadequate sunlight can also be a reason for a lack of fruit production.
To enhance pollination and attract more bees, planting pollen-heavy flowers and adding a water feature such as a birdbath are recommended. Maintaining a 2- to 3-inch layer of organic mulch around the shrub and proper irrigation are essential to prevent fruit drop and splitting. Pruning should be done lightly, as heavy pruning can reduce fruit set.
In Melbourne's climate, pomegranate trees need maximum sun exposure for the fruit to fully ripen. They prefer slightly acidic, well-drained soil but can grow in a range of soils, including poor and heavy ones. The trees can attain a height of 5-7 meters and a width of 5 meters if not pruned regularly.
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They can be grown in a pot
Pomegranate trees can be grown in pots, particularly dwarf forms like 'Nana', which only grows to around 1 metre in height. 'Nana' is a dwarf pomegranate variety that is suitable for a pot. The pot needs to be at least 40cm in width and as deep as possible.
If planting bare-rooted plants during winter, soak the root system in a bucket of water and seaweed solution for 30 minutes before placing it in the pot. Partially fill the pot with a quality potting mix. For potted plants, remove the plant from its container, gently tease the roots, and cut away any circled or tangled roots. Pomegranates can be pruned to reduce their size or to remove dead or diseased stems, but it is important to note that they produce fruit on old stems, so it is recommended not to prune off more than 30% of the old growth.
Pomegranates will be more productive when stems can receive lots of sunshine. They prefer slightly acidic, well-drained soil but will grow in a range of soils, including poor and heavy ones. They can also withstand low temperatures of -9° to -12°C and are very drought-tolerant.
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They grow well in a range of soils
Pomegranate trees are native to the Middle East and the Mediterranean, but they can be grown in Australia, specifically in South East Queensland. They are self-pollinating, meaning they do not require another tree for cross-pollination to produce fruit. They can be grown from cuttings, which should be started in winter. Pomegranates grow best in well-drained soil and do not tolerate prolonged wet or soggy conditions. They prefer slightly acidic, well-drained soil but will grow in a range of soils, including poor and heavy ones. If your soil is heavy and poorly drained, you can plant the pomegranate in a raised mound of free-draining soil. Pomegranates are drought-tolerant and can withstand low temperatures of -9° to -12°C. They need full sun and a long, hot summer for good fruiting.
To plant a pomegranate tree, dig a hole twice as wide as the tree and to the same depth as the root ball. Tease out the roots and place them into the hole, then backfill with soil and water well. Pomegranate trees can attain a height of 5-7 metres and are often 5 metres wide, especially if neglected and not pruned regularly. They can be pruned to a particular desired shape, but it is important to note that pomegranates produce fruit on old stems, so it is recommended not to prune off more than 30% of the old growth. Alternatively, they can be grown as a hedge, planted about 2-3 metres apart. Dwarf varieties, such as '"Nana", are also available and are suitable for pots or shrub-like shapes.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, pomegranate trees can be grown in Australia. They are self-pollinating and grow well in South East Queensland.
Pomegranates need full sun and a long hot summer for good fruiting. They prefer slightly acidic, well-drained soil but will grow in a range of soils, including poor and heavy ones.
If planting two pomegranate trees, separate them by 5 metres or more. If growing as a hedge, plant them 2-3 metres apart.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the tree and to the same depth as the root ball. Tease out the roots and place them into the hole. Backfill with soil and water well.
Pomegranate trees take 3-5 years to fruit.
