How to Increase Female Flowers in Pomegranate Tree

My pomegranate tree had produced hundreds of flowers, but only 10 % of them were female, so the fruits grown were only a few (pomegranate male and female flowers). Increasing the number of female flowers can significantly enhance fruit yield.

The question is, why no female flowers on pomegranate tree? Can you increase female flowers ? You may have grown your pomegranate from seeds or cuttings (growing pomegranate from seeds, growing pomegranate from cuttings), you will want to have lots of fruits. In this article, I will explore some practical tips to encourage the abundance of female flowers on your pomegranate plant to maximize your pomegranate harvest.

Pomegranate Female and Male Flowers

If you are planting a new pomegranate plant, then ensure to select a variety that is known for high fruit production. Some pomegranate varieties are naturally better in female flower production than others. Consult with local nurseries to identify the best varieties for your region.

Why There are Less Female Flowers in Pomegranate

To maximize your pomegranate harvest, it is essential to know the factors influencing flower development and your pomegranate tree not producing flowers. Following factors can impact flower formation and reduce number of female flowers on the pomegranate tree:

1. Lack of sunlight
2. Irregular or inadequate watering
3. High temperatures during flower bud formation
4. Incorrect pruning
5. Nutrient deficiency
6. Pest and disease on the tree

Stress factors like extreme temperatures, drought and waterlogging can reduce flower development, avoid them to help in promoting female flower development.

Tips to Boost Female Flowers on Your Pomegranate Tree: How To Get More Female Flowers

The pomegranate flower development depends on proper pruning, watering and correct fertilization. Read below the simple ways to get more female flowers in pomegranate trees.

Sunlight exposure

Adequate sunlight is crucial for flower development, so plant your tree in a location where it receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. The lack of sunlight will reduce the flower development, specially the female flowers. Provide full sunlight exposure to your pomegranate plant to increase female flower development.

Plant Spacing

Pomegranate trees should not be planted too close to each other. Plant them adequately separated to help improve light and air circulation, promoting female flower development.

Soil Conditions

Pomegranate trees need well-draining slightly acidic soil to grow well. Maintaining a pH between 6.0-7.0 can help grow more female flowers.

Pruning

1. Pomegranate plants start flowering in 2-3 years on old wood after planting. While pruning is important for managing the shape and size of your pomegranate tree, it also influences the flower production. Prune moderately in winter when the pomegranate tree is dormant. Prune selectively to encourage the growth of lateral branches, as female flowers often develop on these shorter branches. Remove dead branches and prune only lightly.

Fertilize Correctly

1. Pomegranate is a heavy feeder. They require Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Sulphur, Iron, Zinc, Manganese, Copper and Boron for better fruit production. 
2. Well composted cow manure at least twice a year is good in adding necessary nutrients to soil.
3. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
4. Excessive nitrogen can promote vegetative growth at the expense of flower production.
5. Potassium and boron in fertilizer can increase the number of female flowers.
6. Applying fertilizer in early spring and again in late spring can provide the necessary nutrients for flower development.

Watering Practices

Pomegranate trees prefer regular and moderate watering, that can help increase female flower development and promote flower bud formation.

Overwatering can lead to root rot and may hinder flower development.

Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

if you are growing your pomegranate in a pot (growing pomegranate in pot), then you may need to water it daily in hot summers.

Thinning of Flowers

If your pomegranate tree produces an abundance of flowers, consider thinning them to redirect energy towards the remaining flowers. This allows the tree to focus its resources on developing high-quality fruits from a select number of flowers.

Disease Management

If your pomegranate tree is diseased or attacked by pests, then treat it timely to promote female flower development and to prevent damage to flowers.

Fungal disease or root rot on the tree can cause fruit drop. use an anti-fungal spray to treat the problem.

Spray neem oil instead of harmful chemical sprays.

Proper Pollination

Pomegranate trees rely on pollination for fruit set. Bees are the primary pollinators for pomegranate flowers. Ensure that your garden attracts a healthy population of bees by planting bee-friendly flowers and avoiding the use of pesticides harmful to pollinators.

Use of growth regulators

The use of plant growth regulators like naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) and gibberellic acid (GA3) can help increase the number of female flowers.

Hormone Spray

Thee application of hormones like Auxins, Cytokinins and Ethylene increase the femaleness in plants. The application of Ethrel (2-chloroethane phosphonic acid) or Ethephon (2-Chloroethyl phosphonic acid, ethylene-releasing compounds, can increase in the number of female flowers and a decrease in the number of male flowers. These compounds are primarily used for ripening of fruits.

If your Pomegranate tree has more male flowers, then you can spray a seaweed solution or above plant flowering hormone on the Pomegranate plant. This will increase the ratio of the male and female flowers on the plant.

By following the above mentioned tips for creating optimal conditions for your pomegranate tree to thrive, you will see an increase in female flower production as the tree matures.

Watch YouTube Videos on Pomegranate

how to grow pomegranate from cuttings video
How to grow pomegranate from seeds video
How to make pomegranate bonsai video
How to Grow pomegranate tree in a pot Video
Pomegranate propagation in water
How to pollinate pomegranate flowers
Pomegranate seeds germination by paper towel video
Difference between pomegranate male and female flowers video

References

1. Rudich, J. et al., Increase in Femaleness of Three Cucurbits by Treatment with Ethrel, an Ethylene Releasing Compound, Planta, vol. 86, no. 1, 1969, pp. 69–76. JSTOR