A healthy pomegranate tree easily thrives for more than several centuries, but remains mostly ornamental for the majority of this period. Juicy fruits stuffed with numerous seeds fill the pomegranate's limbs after approximately 2 to 3 years of growth. However, fruit quantities vary widely between trees, based on plant age and environmental factors.
Trees younger than 5 years old have problems developing and holding fruit. It is common for healthy trees to drop fruit as they progress toward maturity. Fruit drop occurs since the tree concentrates its energy toward leaf and limb growth; the tree needs a strong limb framework to hold large fruit masses. In general, smaller trees hold less fruit than larger, well-established pomegranates. Allowing the tree to grow tall provides you with better chances of a large future fruit yield.
Pomegranates grow as tall as 30 feet. This height, coupled with multiple branches creating a shrub-like appearance, provides you with many fruits once the tree reaches maturity. Although pomegranates tolerate many soil types, soggy conditions hinder fruit growth since nutrients and moisture cannot reach the upper limbs; roots suffocate without the necessary soil air pockets. Pomegranates also prefer dry heat rather than high humidity levels. Fruit drop is a threat to mature trees if humid conditions persist during the growing season.
Fertilizing and Watering
Rich soil contributes to fruit quality and yield amounts. In fact, adding nitrogen-rich fertilizer to the soil throughout the tree's lifespan provides a nutrient boost for developing fruit. However, as the tree grows, you need to add more fertilizer based on your soil's particular needs. On the other hand, watering the pomegranate is another key ingredient to consistent fruit yields. Although the tree tolerates drought, the fruits need constant water for proper development. In general, watering once or twice a month during the growing season helps the fruits swell to a healthy size.
You do not need to prune a pomegranate tree unless you want to achieve a tree shape rather than a shrub-like appearance. Limiting your pruning allows the tree to have many limbs for fruit development. But, suckers and damaged limbs steal precious energy away from the pomegranate tree; pruning these branches helps the tree harness energy into fruit development. However, your pruning efforts need to be limited to the early spring. If you cut away flowering limbs, you risk the chance of lowering your fruit quantities. Pollinated flowers need up to 7 months to produce a ripe pomegranate.
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