How to Garden a Dwarf Pomegranate Tree
Dwarf pomegranate (Punica granatum) is a small tree (2 feet high) that bears bright orange and reddish trumpet-shaped flowers. The dwarf species, which has dark green leaves, is native to the Mediterranean and Asia. This tree needs warm temperatures in order to yield good fruit. The fruit is edible; however, it's much smaller than an average-size pomegranate. Dwarf pomegranate tree trunks twist upward in the center of the plant. With a little bit of time and care, your dwarf pomegranate bonsai will flourish. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Deep pot 12 to 18 inches
- All-purpose soil
- Spray bottle
- Water
- Tray
- Pebbles
- Fertilizer
Instructions
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Plant your dwarf pomegranate in a deep pot, 12 to 18 inches, as this will allow for a healthy root system to form. Fill pot with a good all-around soil, meaning the dirt should allow for good drainage yet retain water at the same time. If your soil is packed very tight, add a little bit of sand and peat moss to it.
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Use a spray bottle to mist your pomegranate every other day during hot and dry periods when it is kept outside. Inside plants will benefit from a tray filled with pebbles and a little bit of water, as they prefer damp soil. Cut back on watering your dwarf tree during winter.
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Keep in direct sunlight if the plant is growing outdoors; if indoors, place it near a light-filled window.
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Bring the dwarf pomegranate inside during the colder months from fall to spring unless you have a greenhouse where you can regulate the temperature.
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Fertilize twice a week using a fertilizer that's low in nitrogen but high in both potassium and phosphorous. Do this from spring to fall, then back off on the amount of fertilizer you are using the rest of the year.
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Prune your dwarf pomegranate until it has one or two sets of leaves. Trim the tree when it has finished bearing fruit in late fall or during winter.
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Put the tree in a new pot every 2 years right after buds begin showing during spring.
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Look for mites, aphids, and scales once a week. Treat with a pesticide or fungicide as needed.
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Propagate by sowing seeds in spring or air layer them once the spring growth on your pomegranate begins to harden.
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Tips & Warnings
Keep your dwarf pomegranate somewhat damp until mid-season. In mid-season, dryer and shadier conditions will encourage flower growth.
Consistent frost and dry winds will severely harm the dwarf pomegranate.
