Care of Dwarf Pomegranate Trees

Overview

The pomegranate (Punica spp.) is usually grown for its edible fruits. Pomegranate trees enjoy temperate to tropical climates with somewhat mild winters. They are small deciduous trees that are thorny and suckering. The most common dwarf pomegranate variety is the Nana (P. 'Nana'), which grows only 2 to 3 feet tall and produces small fruits. This dwarf pomegranate is cold-hardy and blooms in reddish-orange flowers. Dwarf pomegranates grow well in the ground outdoors or in containers. Some dwarf varieties are also used as bonsai trees.

Step 1

Water your dwarf pomegranate deeply and thoroughly once or twice each week during summer to keep the soil evenly moist around the roots. You don't need to irrigate the pomegranate trees the rest of the year if rainfall is 1 inch per week or more.

Step 2

Spread a 2- to 3-inch-thick layer of organic mulch on the ground around your dwarf pomegranate tree, covering the entire root area. Add additional mulch each spring to maintain the layer's thickness.

Step 3

Feed your dwarf pomegranate trees in March and again in July with 1 lb. of 10-10-10 NPK formula fertilizer per 3 feet of tree height. If you don't care whether your dwarf pomegranate tree produces fruits, heavy fertilization isn't necessary.

Step 4

Prune your pomegranate tree in late winter or early spring, right before new growth emerges. Cut away all dead growth and suckers growing from the base of the tree.