Growing Pomegranate Trees in Containers

1. The Size of the container depends on the variety of pomegranate tree. The pomegranate tree has a shallow non-invasive spreading root system so very deep contain is not needed, but it should have wider space to expand its roots.
2. Choose a large container with a minimum diameter of 24 inches (60 cm) and of similar depth to provide ample space for the pomegranate tree's root system.
3. Ensure that the container has drainage holes to prevent water-logging, which can lead to root rot. 
4. You may opt for lightweight plastic containers to facilitate mobility if needed, but note that lightweight container with narrow base may topple down when the tree grows big., so always select a container that is wider at its base.
5. It should be noted that even the tiny pomegranate variety may require re-potting when the tree becomes root bound or when the roots come out from the bottom of the container. Needless to say that you may need to transfer the tree to larger pot in a few years, if you have planted it in a small pot.

1. Pomegranate trees require full sun to thrive and produce abundant fruits. Choose a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
2. Place the pot in the hottest part of the garden.
3. Pomegranate can be grown in indoors, if provided a good amount of light and heat. If you have limited access to sunlight, consider using grow lights to supplement the natural light.

1. You may need to water your pomegranate tree growing in a pot frequently, even daily during the hot summer months. However, large containers will need the less watering frequency.
2. Water the tree deeply whenever the top inch of the soil feels dry. 
3. Avoid over-watering, as excessive moisture can lead to root rot.
4. Regularly check the soil moisture level by inserting your finger about an inch into the soil.
5. During fruiting period, water the tree regularly, the soil should stay moist but on wet.
6. In winter season, the tree goes dormant, so watering frequency should be reduced.

1. Pomegranate is a heavy feeder. Pomegranates can benefit from an 8-8-8 (NPK) 
2. A balanced 8-8-8 (NPK) fertilizer seems to be the best for pomegranate trees, feed in early spring. Sprinkle fertilize to the base of the plant, away from the stem.
3. Feeding cow manure or compost once in a month is beneficial during spring to autumn.
4. Feed a phosphorus-rich fertilizer during the flowering and fruiting stages to promote healthy fruit development. I feed a liquid fertilizer every few weeks during the growing season.
5. Excessive fertilization, specially high in nitrogen can lead to excessive vegetative growth at the expense of fruit production.
6. A deficiency of calcium, ammonium or magnesium may cause the leaf tips to turn brown and curl into a hook shape.

1. Pruning helps maintain the pomegranate tree's shape, improves airflow, and encourages fruit production.
2. Perform pruning in late winter when the tree is dormant.
3. Young tree grows lots of stems from the base, allow only a few of them to allow an open center structure for light penetration and air circulation.
4. Prune out suckers growing at the base and inward branches at the middle to prevent over-crowding.
5. While pruning note that the pomegranates flower on new growth and bear fruit on branches that are 2 or 3 years old.
6. Prune only lightly, heavy pruning reduces fruits.
7. Remove the dead, damaged or crossing branches in early spring.
8. Trim back excessive long branches encourage the blooming and to maintain a compact size.

1. Pomegranate tree does not have any major pest or disease problems. But still you should monitor your tree regularly for common pests such as aphids, white flies, pomegranate butterflies and mealybugs.
2. Use organic insecticidal soaps or horticultural oils to control common pests.
3. Additionally, practicing good sanitation, such as removing fallen leaves or fruits, can help reduce the risk of disease.
4. I enclose the fruits in fruit bags to protect them from fruit flies.
5. Too much water can cause fungal diseasesPut a thick layer of mulch on the soil to prevent weeds and spread of fungal disease.
6. If you see  black spots on leaves, it is due to fungal disease. Spray a copper fungicide to treat fungal disease on the pomegranate tree. The fungal disease can split the fruit. Irregular watering can also be reason of fruit splits.
7. High humidity during summer may deteriorate the fruit quality.

Re-potting/Transplanting Pomegranate Tree

Harvesting Pomegranates Growing in Pots

Pomegranates Growing in a Container

Pomegranate Care During Winter