How to Grow Pomegranates in East Texas

Eastern Texas is an ideal location for growing pomegranates.

Pomegranates are a healthy fruit that thrive in the hot Texas climate. With its acidic and well-draining soils, east Texas is the ideal location for planting and growing pomegranate trees. Pomegranates are sturdy plants that require little work once established.

Things You'll Need

• Shovel
• Nitrogen fertilizer or 8-8-8 fertilizer

Instructions

1. Test the soil. Watch the planting area after it rains. Well-draining soil will soak up puddles quickly, while poorly draining soils will have puddles for days after the rain.

2. Dig a hole large enough for the root ball of the pomegranate plant. Place the plant in the soil and cover the roots with the removed soil.

3. Apply a nitrogen fertilizer twice a year. According to the University of Arizona, young pomegranate plants need 2 lbs. of fertilizer in March and November while older, established pomegranate trees should receive 4 lbs.

4. Check the soil 1 inch below the surface to determine if the plant needs water. If the soil is moist at that level, avoid watering. Pomegranates are native to the dry Middle East, and too much water will kill the plant.

Tips & Warnings

• Branches can be trimmed if preferred, but pomegranate trees do not require trimming.

• Plant pomegranate trees in sunny locations that receive full sunlight for the entire day.

References

• University of Arizona Cooperative Extension: Backyard Gardener: Pomegranates
• Texas A&M University: East Texas Gardening - Soil Testing
• Texas A&M University: The Southern Garden: Pomegranate Punica Granatum