How to Plant a Pomegranate Tree

Overview

If you live in zone eight or above, a pomegranate tree can be a welcome and hardy addition to your landscape. Pomegranate trees grow quite vigorously in warmer, subtropical regions of the country and will survive freezing temperatures to 15 degrees F if they are protected. Their fruits have known health benefits and their bright, orange flowers are quite striking. Pomegranates are self pollinating, so there is no need to plant an additional tree to achieve fruit. Planting a pomegranate tree is not difficult.

Step 1

Select an area in your yard that receives full sunlight and is large enough for the tree to achieve its maximum height and width. They can reach a height of eight to 12 feet, and have a width of 6 to 8 feet. Sunlight is required for the best growth and fruit production.

Step 2

Amend the soil to make it drain well, if necessary. Add sand to clay soils for proper drainage. Add peat to sandy soil. Pomegranate will develop root rot if planted in soil that remains soggy and hold too much water.

Step 3

Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the container the pomegranate is planted in. Loosen up the existing soil in the planting area to allow the tree's roots to easily spread out. If adding peat or sand to the soil, mix it in with the existing soil.

Step 4

Loosen the roots of the pomegranate tree carefully and place the tree into the hole. Fill the hole halfway with soil and pat down firmly with your hands. Fill the remainder of the hole up with soil and stomp down with your foot to release any air pockets that might be remaining in it.

Step 5

Water your pomegranate in well. Continue watering twice per week for the first few weeks the tree is planted, then cut back to once per week. Pomegranate trees are quite drought tolerant once established, but will grow best if given a regular, weekly dose of water.

Step 6

Fertilize your pomegranate tree in the spring and summer with a high-quality, citrus fertilizer. They are acid lovers and the citrus fertilizer will have all the nutrients the tree needs to flourish and produce good crops of fruit.

Step 7

Prune any dead branches off the pomegranate tree once it develops new growth in the spring. They are deciduous and will drop their leaves during the winter months.