Pomegranate tree care involves keeping the soil well-nourished and watered, as well as a host of other essential tasks. A little bit of maintenance goes a long way towards producing a healthy, high-yielding tree.
Pomegranates are adaptable to many soil types, but they do best in loamy soil with good drainage. They do well in zones 7 to 12, and they are also suitable for containers or outdoor plantings in colder areas, as long as they are protected from frost.
When you're ready to plant a pomegranate, choose a spot that receives full sun and has well-draining soil. The site should also be loose and sandy in texture, with a pH of around 5.5 to 7.0.
To get a transplant off to a good start, cultivate the soil surrounding the base of the pomegranate once a week to promote strong roots and early growth. Mulch the new transplant with a layer of organic mulch, which will help retain moisture and prevent weeds from growing.
When the growing season starts, fertilize the pomegranate twice a year with a balanced plant food designed for fruit trees. This will replenish the nutrients the pomegranate has absorbed, and change the pH of the soil to make it more acidic.
Keep the pomegranate free from leaf-footed bugs and other common garden pests that can eat the leaves, or suck out the fruit. In addition, remove overwintering locations for these pests, such as woodpiles or weeds.
