Pomegranate Training

[mfantus]

Hi all

I found a very nice pomegranate in a gallon container at a local organic food coop here in Takoma Park, Maryland. I am skeptical it could be planted in the ground and treated like the apples and pears and aronias the same establishment was selling. I have never ever seen a pomegranate growing here. I plan to slip it into a bonsai pot sometime but I would like advice as to when given the time of year that is upon us, and certainly plan to winter it over in the house.

Thanks for any help.

Michael Fantus
Washington DC

[plantmanky]

Michael,

There was an article in the last Journal on the care of pomegranite (punica granatum) that might be of use to you. You can also find that very same article here on the website at the following link. Should you have any additional questions please don't hesitate to post them there and we'll try to answer them for you.

http://absbonsai.org/bonsai-articles/care-guides/161-punica-granatum-care

[shipsquartersfarm]

Hey Michael--

It has been the experience of most of the members of the Baltimore club that pomegranite is not hardy here. Unfortunately, it does not do well in the house, either, preferring cool but not cold temperatures during its dormant period. We do have one member who has had one survive in his yard. He lives in Essex, very close to the bay, probably in what amounts to a warmer temperate zone microclimate.

Are you a member of the Washington club?

Good luck!

[enriquec]

there are some varieties that are hardier, but most important protect from wind during the cold months. and use some kind of insulator. I have seen some grown in places that go upto -15 centigrade. cheers. Enrique

[ross.clark]

You can winter them either in a cool darkish garage or at room temperature with indirect sunlight. Moist soil in winter is OK, but not wet. After they drop their leaves (due to short days), they become really dormant and look dead, but they will leaf out again when the days become longer. Some of the more dwarf, smaller leaved and heavier blooming types will not go dormant as quickly or as completely. You might have to play ball with them by giving them a sunny windowsill if they decide to begin growing again in Jan. or Feb. Pomgranates are very, very easy to grow, and grow easily from seed. They will overwinter outdoors in the ground here in east-central KY, but they die back to the ground each year, just sprouting back in spring like a perennial.