A pomegranate bush may be planted in a variety of environments and is generally simple to care for. One may be grown from seeds or from an already established plant. They generally prosper in both outdoor and indoor climates.
When growing a pomegranate bush from an already existing plant, establish it in its new soil as soon as possible after purchasing it. If planting outdoors, dig a hole two to three times the width of the existing plant, to a depth equal to the height of the root base. The base of the bush should remain even with ground level without being buried.
Plant the bush in evenly drained soil, in direct sunlight. Use organic compost mixed with a small amount of local soil to backfill the hole. This loosely-packed organic compound will provide an aerated base that allows an even distribution of water without flooding the soil and creating root rot. It can also provide a slow-release fertilizer for the plant throughout the growing season.
Mulch around the recently planted pomegranate bush to a depth of two to three inches (5.08 to 7.62 cm). Colder climates may benefit from increasing the amount of mulch around the bush to six inches (15.24 cm). Organic compost makes an excellent mulch as well as planting mixture, providing protection from heat and cold, and aiding the plant in fighting most harmful garden fungi and diseases.
Water the bush thoroughly after planting. Continue to soak it every other day during the spring, tapering off to twice weekly watering during the summer. If planted during the fall, water the pomegranate bush only once each week.
This bush can grow to 20 or 30 ft (6.10 to 9.14 m) in height, but typically remains at a height of 12 to 15 ft (3.66 to 4.57 m). It can survive in a variety of soils and often does very well in extremely alkaline earth that is too basic for many plants. This plant typically does well in hot, sunny climates, however, extreme humidity will adversely affect the plant’s ability to produce fruit. Gardeners in more humid climates may wish to establish their pomegranate bushes indoors, in a brightly lit greenhouse.
These bushes may fruit within the first year of planting, however, they typically require two to three years before producing. Fruit generally appears five to seven months after the plant blossoms. Trim new bushes back to a height of 2 ft (.61 m) after initial planting. Allow new shoots to form roughly 1 ft (.30 m) from the ground to encourage new growth. During subsequent seasons, only light pruning is generally needed to remove dead branches and suckers.