How to Grow Pomegranate Trees From Seeds

Pomegranate trees can be propagated from seeds.

Pomegranates are smooth, round fruits that have a red or purple tint when fully ripe. The interior of a pomegranate fruit, which develops in late summer, is edible and contains tiny seed pods that are surrounded by the tart pomegranate juice. Pomegranates grow on tall shrubs that some mistake for trees. They are native to Europe and the Mediterranean region, but can be grown in any area that has a semi-arid to arid climate.

Things You'll Need

• Rake
• Garden hose
• Ammonium sulfate fertilizer

Instructions

1. Select a location to grow the pomegranate trees that has well soil and receives direct sunlight for most of the day. Choose a location that has at least 10 feet of space on all sides to accommodate the fully grown pomegranate shrubs.

2. Remove any weeds and plants in the planting location by pulling them up with your hands.

3. Rake the surface of the planting area with a garden rake to loosen the top 1 to 2 inches of soil.

4. Water the area with a garden hose so that the top 1 to 2 inches of soil is damp.

5. Sprinkle the pomegranate seeds onto the surface of the soil in a thin, even layer. Use your hands to press the seeds slightly into the damp soil. Do not cover the seeds with soil, as they need light in order to germinate. Pressing them into the soil slightly prevents the seeds from being blown away by wind or washed away by rainwater.

6. Water the seeds daily to keep them moist until they begin to sprout, which takes about six weeks. After initial germination, water the seedlings when the top of the soil feels dry, and eventually reduce it to only once every seven to 10 days.

7. Apply 1 to 2 cups of ammonium sulfate fertilizer three months after the seeds germinate by sprinkling it over the planting area. Water the fertilizer into the soil so that it soaks down to the plant roots.

Tips & Warnings

• Purchase pomegranate seeds from a garden supply store, or harvest your own by squeezing the tiny black seeds out of the pulp.

References

• Arizona Cooperative Extension: Backyard Gardener Growing Pomegranates
• Purdue University: Pomegranate
• Texas AgriLife Extension Service: Home Fruit Production--Pomegranate