HOW TO GROW POMEGRANATE FROM SEED

Pomegranate - Kris peterson www.flickr.com/groups/colorphotoaward

The pomegranate - Punica granatum is one of the iconic trees of the Mediterranean. It is also surprising hardy, being both drought tolerant and capable of thriving in the colder regions of northern Europe. Unfortunately, outside of the Mediterranean pomegranate trees are difficult to source, but if you keep your eyes open you will be able to find its fruit in your local supermarket.

Pomegranate fruit

You can sow pomegranate seeds from February to May.

Using a seed tray, Pomegranate seed should be sown on the surface of a good quality free draining, damp seed compost such as John Innes 'Seed and Cutting'. After which, cover with a very fine sprinkling of compost or vermiculite.

You will need to provide a germinating temperature of approximately 20-30 degrees Celsius, so they will either need to be grown in a warm room indoors or a heated propagator.

However, if you are fortunate to live in a more Mediterranean climate then additional heat should not be necessary. The seeds will need to be placed in darkness until after germination which can take 1-4 months. Just be aware that while pomegranate can be raised from seed, they may not grow true to the parent.

Pomegranate flowers

Once the seedlings are large enough to handle they can be gently lifted, causing as little damage to the root system as possible, and potted on into 3 inch pots containing a good quality potting compost such as John Innes 'No 2'.

Pot on as required as required into 4-5 inch containers and over-winter in a protective environment if you live in a climate where temperatures are likely to drop below 6 degrees Celsius.

Grow on in the pot for a further year before planting the young pomegranate plants in their permanent position outside.

For related articles click onto the following links:
HOW TO GROW A MULBERRY TREE
HOW TO GROW THE POMEGRANATE
HOW TO GROW POMEGRANATE FROM CUTTINGS
HOW TO GROW POMEGRANATE FROM SEED
THE POMEGRANATE  -  Punica granatum