Agricultural technology for growing Pomegranate seeds
Agricultural technology for growing pomegranate (Punica granatum)
1. Choosing a place and soil:
- Light: Pomegranate is a light-loving plant, preferring bright sunlight. For better fruiting, choose a place where the plant will receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Soil: Pomegranate is not too demanding about the type of soil, but prefers light, fertile and well-drained soils with a neutral or slightly acidic reaction (pH 6.0-7.0). Pomegranate does not grow well on clay or saline soils.
- Humidity: Pomegranate is drought-resistant, but develops better with moderate watering.
2. Planting:
- Planting time: In spring or autumn in regions with a mild climate. In cool regions, it is better to plant in the spring so that the plant has time to take root before winter.
- Planting hole: The depth and width of the planting hole should be about 50-60 cm. Add compost or humus to the hole to improve soil fertility.
- Distance between plants: 2.5-3 meters between bushes. Pomegranate trees have a branched root system, so they need enough space.
- Deepening: Do not bury the root collar, it should be at ground level.
3. Watering:
- Regularity: In the first year after planting, pomegranates need to be watered regularly, especially during dry periods. Mature plants can withstand drought, but regular watering increases the size and quality of the fruit.
- Mulching: Mulch the soil with organic material (sawdust, bark) to retain moisture and protect the roots from overheating.
4. Fertilizer:
- In spring, feed the pomegranate with organic fertilizers (compost, humus) or mineral fertilizers with a high nitrogen content.
- During the flowering and fruit setting period (in summer), apply potassium and phosphorus fertilizers to improve flowering and fruiting.
- In autumn, reduce the amount of fertilizer to prepare the plant for winter.
5. Pruning:
- Formation: Pomegranate can be grown as a shrub or a tree. To form a tree, leave one central trunk, removing lateral shoots. To form a bush, leave 4-5 main trunks.
- Sanitary pruning: Carry out annually in the spring, removing damaged, diseased and crossing branches, which will improve air circulation and illumination of the crown.
- Rejuvenating pruning: Every 3-4 years, remove old branches to stimulate the formation of new shoots.
6. Protection from pests and diseases:
- Aphids and scale insects: Pomegranate is susceptible to attack by aphids and scale insects. To combat them, use insecticidal soap solutions or biological products.
- Fungal diseases: If spots appear on leaves and fruits, it is recommended to treat with fungicides (for example, Bordeaux mixture).
- Prevention: Regular removal of fallen leaves and sanitary pruning will help prevent the spread of diseases.
7. Shelter for the winter (in cold regions):
- In regions with frosty winters, young pomegranate plants require shelter. Use agrofibre or burlap to protect the trunk and roots from severe frosts. Adult plants in severe winters can be hilled and mulched roots.
8. Productivity:
- Pomegranate begins to bear fruit 3-4 years after planting. The fruits ripen in the fall, usually in September-October, depending on the variety and climatic conditions. Harvest the fruit when it acquires its characteristic bright color and becomes firm.
9. Tips for growing in containers:
- In regions with cold winters, pomegranates can be grown in containers that are easy to move indoors for the winter.
- Use containers with a capacity of at least 40-50 liters, with a good drainage system.
- Water moderately, do not allow the soil to dry out, and fertilize regularly.
1. Choosing a place and soil:
- Light: Pomegranate is a light-loving plant, preferring bright sunlight. For better fruiting, choose a place where the plant will receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Soil: Pomegranate is not too demanding about the type of soil, but prefers light, fertile and well-drained soils with a neutral or slightly acidic reaction (pH 6.0-7.0). Pomegranate does not grow well on clay or saline soils.
- Humidity: Pomegranate is drought-resistant, but develops better with moderate watering.
2. Planting:
- Planting time: In spring or autumn in regions with a mild climate. In cool regions, it is better to plant in the spring so that the plant has time to take root before winter.
- Planting hole: The depth and width of the planting hole should be about 50-60 cm. Add compost or humus to the hole to improve soil fertility.
- Distance between plants: 2.5-3 meters between bushes. Pomegranate trees have a branched root system, so they need enough space.
- Deepening: Do not bury the root collar, it should be at ground level.
3. Watering:
- Regularity: In the first year after planting, pomegranates need to be watered regularly, especially during dry periods. Mature plants can withstand drought, but regular watering increases the size and quality of the fruit.
- Mulching: Mulch the soil with organic material (sawdust, bark) to retain moisture and protect the roots from overheating.
4. Fertilizer:
- In spring, feed the pomegranate with organic fertilizers (compost, humus) or mineral fertilizers with a high nitrogen content.
- During the flowering and fruit setting period (in summer), apply potassium and phosphorus fertilizers to improve flowering and fruiting.
- In autumn, reduce the amount of fertilizer to prepare the plant for winter.
5. Pruning:
- Formation: Pomegranate can be grown as a shrub or a tree. To form a tree, leave one central trunk, removing lateral shoots. To form a bush, leave 4-5 main trunks.
- Sanitary pruning: Carry out annually in the spring, removing damaged, diseased and crossing branches, which will improve air circulation and illumination of the crown.
- Rejuvenating pruning: Every 3-4 years, remove old branches to stimulate the formation of new shoots.
6. Protection from pests and diseases:
- Aphids and scale insects: Pomegranate is susceptible to attack by aphids and scale insects. To combat them, use insecticidal soap solutions or biological products.
- Fungal diseases: If spots appear on leaves and fruits, it is recommended to treat with fungicides (for example, Bordeaux mixture).
- Prevention: Regular removal of fallen leaves and sanitary pruning will help prevent the spread of diseases.
7. Shelter for the winter (in cold regions):
- In regions with frosty winters, young pomegranate plants require shelter. Use agrofibre or burlap to protect the trunk and roots from severe frosts. Adult plants in severe winters can be hilled and mulched roots.
8. Productivity:
- Pomegranate begins to bear fruit 3-4 years after planting. The fruits ripen in the fall, usually in September-October, depending on the variety and climatic conditions. Harvest the fruit when it acquires its characteristic bright color and becomes firm.
9. Tips for growing in containers:
- In regions with cold winters, pomegranates can be grown in containers that are easy to move indoors for the winter.
- Use containers with a capacity of at least 40-50 liters, with a good drainage system.
- Water moderately, do not allow the soil to dry out, and fertilize regularly.