If you have a smaller garden, or would like a plant that will thrive nicely indoors or a compact outdoor space like a terrace, the Dwarf Pomegranate tree is a top contender.
The colorful fruit and flowers give it nice ornamental appeal and while it is native to very warm, sunny areas, it can actually do well in a wide range of climates.
Growing your own Dwarf Pomegranate tree is easier than you might think, you just need to know a few tips about planting, pruning and caring for the tree.
And this guide outlines everything you need to learn so that your fruit will flourish.
Best Growing Conditions for Dwarf Pomegranate (When To Plant)
As for when to plant Dwarf Pomegranate for the best yield, the early spring after the threat of the last frost has passed is best.
Knowing the best growing conditions for Dwarf Pomegranate is important for cultivating a plant with maximum ornamental appeal and fruit production.3 Here are some planting tips for Dwarf Pomegranate plants:
Sun
Pomegranate trees are native to some very sunny locales and do best with abundant light. So how much sunlight does Dwarf Pomegranate need each day?
Whether growing the tree outdoors or indoors in a container, be sure it gets at least 6 hours of sun daily. While important for the overall health of the tree, this also ensures maximum fruit production.
Watering
The watering needs for Dwarf Pomegranate plants depend on whether it is a newer tree or has been fully established. While the tree is growing to full height, it needs regular watering, if the soil is dry, give it a drink.
Be sure to water right at the base, and not from overhead. Once the tree reaches maturity, it is generally resistant to drought, but would do good with some watering when it is flowering in the late spring and early summer to encourage good fruit production.
Soil
These trees are pretty adaptable when it comes to the type of soil in which they are planted if being grown in the ground. They do best in ones with a neutral Ph,4 but can tolerate soils that are either moderately acidic or slightly alkaline.
In more alkaline soils, they will probably produce less fruit. Regardless of the make-up of the soil, good drainage is important to prevent root rot.
When growing in a container, be sure the container has holes. The good news is, if growing in a pot, you can buy the most ideal soil for it.
Temperature
These trees do best in warm, drier climates. If grown in areas with higher humidity, they may be more prone to fungal issues so keep an eye out.
Fertilizer
The trees need fertilizer their first few years while growing to maturity. The only trees that really need to be ‘fed’ beyond this point are those grown for commercial fruit production.
Dwarf Pomegranates don’t really need anything special in this regard, a typical all-balanced fertilizer will suffice.
Spacing
If growing more than one tree near each other to produce a low hedge for example, space the plants about 3 feet apart. If growing in a container, only plant one tree per pot.
Pruning
For pomegranate trees meant to produce fruit, pruning them before they begin doing so can delay production since growth occurs on older branches. Before this time, only prune to remove dead or diseased branches.
Once the tree has reached maturity, pruning during the dormant season is best for identifying old and diseased growth. Once the tree starts fruiting regularly, pruning away new shoots is important so the energy is directed to growing the fruit rather than new branches and foliage.
Dwarf Pomegranate
(Punica granatum nana)
- Family: Punicaceae
- Genus: Punica
- Leaf: Shiny, oblong
- Bark: Knotted, twisted, gray
- Seed: Edible, surrounded by pulp
- Blossoms: Red-orange
- Fruit: dark red, round, two inches big
- Native Habitat: Middle East and South Asia
- Height: Up to 4 feet full grown
- Canopy: Up to 2 to 4 feet across
- Type: Deciduous
- Native Growing Zone: Zone 7 to 11
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species Ranking
Least Concern
Image Credit: Jebulon8
How To Identify Dwarf Pomegranate (Punica Granatum Nana)
Struggling to recognize Dwarf Pomegranate trees?
Here are some of the details you need to know to learn how to identify Dwarf Pomegranage trees:
Dwarf Pomegranate Fruit
Dwarf Pomegranate fruit is easily the most identifiable aspect of this tree.1 In these smaller versions, the fruit grows to about 2 inches, and is most often red, but can also be burgundy, purple, pink, white or even clear.
Even the dwarf versions produce abundant seeds and may have as many as a couple of hundred!
Dwarf Pomegranate Leaves
Dwarf Pomegranate leaves grow from narrow stems, and are usually less than an inch long. They are glossy green, oblong and each leaf node has two leaves that grow opposite one another.
Dwarf Pomegranate Flower
The Dwarf Pomegranate flower is considered very beautiful and one of the reasons this tree is so popular as a container plant or in small gardens. Its trumpet-shaped ruffled petals are typically a brilliant orange-red, but are sometimes yellow or white. Flower-bearing branches hold from one to several on each.
Each flower has numerous red stamens.
Dwarf Pomegranate Seeds
Dwarf Pomegranate seeds are typically purple, deep red or white. They are contained within a spongy, edible pulp.
Seeds are eaten raw or made into juice.
Do the Dwarf Pomegranate Plant Produce the Same Fruit as the Full Grown Pomegranate Tree?
Full grown pomegranate trees and the Dwarf Pomegranate plant essentially produce the same fruit. But the dwarf fruit is much smaller, and much more sour than regular pomegranate, which is typically sweet.
So while the fruit is fully edible, for most people, it has more ornamental value, especially since the fruits can remain on the tree for many months.
Dwarf Pomegranate Growing Zone
The Dwarf Pomegranate growing zone is 7 to 11.2 Being in this range of planting zones means the tree can handle temperatures as low as 0 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you live in a colder climate, you would need to grow one in a container that can be brought indoors during the winter months.
Dwarf Pomegranate Growth Rate
The Dwarf Pomegranate growth rate is moderate, about one to two feet a year. So as for how long it takes to grow Dwarf Pomegranate, which can be anywhere from two to four feet high at maturity, you could have a full-grown tree anywhere from one to four years.
As for fruit production, a Dwarf Pomegranate typically starts producing in three to four years.
Growing a Dwarf Pomegranate From a Seed, Cutting, or Seedling
If you are interested in growing a Dwarf Pomegranate from a seed, cutting or seedling, here is how to do so:
Cutting
Growing a Dwarf Pomegranate from a cutting ensures a plant identical to the parent tree and is the preferred method of propagating them. You can take cuttings from hardwood or softwood.
(Image: Tubifex6)
Softwood is the tender growth of the most current year, and would be available for cutting in the summer. The steps below apply to both hardwood and softwood, with the only difference being softwood cuttings are taken in the summer, being sure to remove the leaves from the bottom of the cutting, and hardwood cuttings are taken in the winter.
Step 1: Cut stems about 10 inches long and ¼ to ½ an inch around
Step 2: Cut the bottom at an angle and the top straight across to know which end is which
Step 3: Dip the bottom of the stem in rooting hormone
Step 4: Plan to plant the stems in an area with lots of sun and good drainage. If the area doesn’t have good drainage, using a planting bed could be a good idea.
You can also plant in a pot that you keep indoors in an area with ample sun.
Step 5: Place the cutting in the soil about ⅔ of the way, making sure at least a few leaf nodes (free of leaves) are exposed and above the soil line.
Step 6: Water regularly
Roots should start forming at about 8 weeks.
Growing From a Seed
If growing a Dwarf Pomegranate from a seed, it is best to start germinating the seed around February.
Step 1: Choose a healthy looking pomegranate fruit that does not have any damaged skin or is rotten
Step 2: The seeds with the best chance of germinating are firm and white or cream-colored. Do not use seeds that are green and soft.
Step 3: Clean the pulp off and put them in water. Let them soak for a bit and wipe off any remaining pulp with a paper towel.
Step 4: Soak the seeds again for about 12 hours. They should be covered halfway in water during this time, add more as it evaporates.
Put the bowl in a cool area.
Step 5: Place the seeds about half an inch deep in loose soil. Use a pot with good drainage and only place two or three seeds per pot, at least one inch apart
At normal room temperature, they will sprout in about 30 to 40 days. Raising the soil temperature can lead to faster germination–placing some tin foil around the pot and placing it directly in the sun may help in this regard.
Seedling
Whether you have grown your seedling from scratch or purchased it in a nursery, here are some tips for nurturing it into a healthy, full grown plant.
Like its full grown counterpart, the Dwarf Pomegranate seedling needs neutral to slightly acidic soil that is well draining and promotes good air circulation. The roots are wide but not deep so it doesn’t require a very deep pot.
If planting in a container, putting some small pebbles at the bottom will keep water from pooling around the roots.
Companion Plants for Growing Dwarf Pomegranate
Some good companion plants for growing Dwarf Pomegranate include a number of herbs and flowers. Companion plants serve many purposes in a garden from protecting nearby plants from pests to creating a more visually pleasing landscape.
Herbs
The pomegranate tree requires bees to pollinate it and produce fruit so planting herbs that attract this all-important insect is a smartidea. Some good choices include mint, parsley, cilantro, dill, thyme, basil and summer savory.
Bees are attracted to color, so allowing these plants to flower will encourage visits.
Flowers
A variety of flowers will also attract bees, such as sunflowers, cosmos, zinnias and coreopsis. There are a number of flowers that are good for offering protection from aphids, one of the common pests of the Dwarf Pomegranate.
(Image: Tubifex7)
Some of these flowers are good for directly repelling the bugs while others are good for attracting insects that eat them. Some good choices include nasturtiums, Queen Anne’s lace and daisies.
Pomegranate trees produce brilliantly colored flowers and certain plants can add to the beauty of the space by complementing, contrasting and enhancing these colors. Some good example include jasmine and purple passion vine flowers.
Dwarf Pomegranate Bonsai
Pretty much any species of tree can be grown in bonsai form utilizing a variety of techniques such as pruning, repotting and wiring. While many people think of using flowering trees for this purpose, fruit trees are also a good option.
Some bonsai fruit trees may still produce full-size fruit, which may not be as aesthetically pleasing. But Dwarf Pomegranate bonsai trees produce smaller fruit in proportion with its size, enhancing its ornamental appeal.
The basic care is the same as dwarf trees. The main difference is the size of the pots they are kept in, which will keep them smaller.
In colder regions, they may not grow fruit however.
How To Stop Dwarf Pomegranate Disease
If you want to know how to stop Dwarf Pomegranate disease, the good news is these trees are much less vulnerable to disease and pest infestations than other types of fruit trees. As far as Dwarf Pomegranate disease prevention, the biggest concern is root rot from excessive moisture in the soil, which can be prevented by following some of the tips mentioned earlier.
As for pests, there aren’t any that are particularly more problematic for these types of trees compared to the variety of other plants found in the average garden. Be on the lookout for signs of infestations such as discoloration on the leaves, fruits being eaten, eggs deposited on the leaves,etc.
Read more on identifying the most common garden pests and how to treat the problem at the University of Massachusetts Amherst webpage.5
Whether you’re looking for a plant perfect for a small garden, wanting a colorful low-hedge or needing some beautiful container plants for your patio, terrace or inside your home, the Dwarf Pomegranate tree is a great choice for its beautiful fruits and flowers and relatively easy care.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dwarf Pomegranate
Do Deer Eat Pomegranate Trees?
The good news is, deer do not seem to be drawn to pomegranate trees. But squirrels are another issue, they appear to love it!
How Long Do Dwarf Pomegranate Trees Live?
When grown in its most ideal conditions with proper care, they can live up to 30 years.
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References
1Washington College. (2023). Pomegranate. Washington College. Retrieved December 22, 2023, from <https://www.washcoll.edu/learn-by-doing/food/plants/punicaceae/punica-granatum.php>
2U.S. Department of Agriculture. (2023). 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. USDA. Retrieved December 22, 2023, from <https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/>
3The University of Georgia. (2022, June 24). Pomegranate Production. The University of Georgia Extension. Retrieved December 22, 2023, from <https://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.html?number=C997&title=pomegranate-production>
4Gibson, M. J. (2023, June 28). Understanding Soil pH. PennState Extension. Retrieved December 22, 2023, from <https://extension.psu.edu/understanding-soil-ph>
5University of Massachusetts Amherst. (2012, April). Insect Management in the Home Vegetable Garden. University of Massachusetts Amherst. Retrieved December 22, 2023, from <https://ag.umass.edu/home-lawn-garden/fact-sheets/insect-management-in-home-vegetable-garden>
6Dwarf Pomegranate Fruits and Flowers photo by Tubifex / Public Domain. Resized and Changed Format. Wikimedia Commons. Retrieved January 2, 2024 from, <https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Punica_granatum_var._nana_(Zwerg-Granatapfel)-2.JPG>
7Dwarf Pomegranate Leaves and Flowers photo by Tubifex / Public Domain. Resized and Changed Format. Wikimedia Commons. Retrieved January 2, 2024 from, <https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Punica_granatum_var._nana_(Zwerg-Granatapfel)-3.JPG>
8Dwarf Pomegranate Species Photo by Jebulon / Public Domain. Resized and Changed Format. Wikimedia Commons. Retrieved January 2, 2024 from, <https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Punica_granatum_L._Nana.jpg>