Pomegranate is a large southern berry that grows in warm lands and ripens by mid-autumn. It is considered a symbol of fertility, which is not surprising: there are hundreds of tiny grains under the firm skin of the fruit.
Despite the fact that the pomegranate is a heat-loving plant, there are many who want to try their hand and grow this miracle berry in Russia.
How to plant?
To plant a pomegranate, it is necessary to remember the importance of heat for this plant. The sum of average daily temperatures of air and soil should not be less than 3000. In winter, the ideal temperature should reach 15 degrees.
Pomegranate is unpretentious to the soil, but it is recommended to arrange a special drainage, which will prevent the stagnation of moisture. It may be crushed stone, gravel, expanded clay. Mineral and organic fertilizers will not be superfluous.
The landing pit for the pomegranate is the same as for other trees: 60x70 cm.
At the bottom of the pit should be a layer of fertile soil (at least 15 cm), then humus mixed with the ground (the volume around the bucket). It is important to water the plant after planting and cover the soil with humus or straw: this is how the earth will retain moisture.
If you plan to cover a grenade in winter, plant a seedling with an inclination of 60-45 degrees to the south.
How to care?
Thermophilic pomegranate requires proper and attentive care.
Loosening. In the first years after planting, especially during the growing season, it is necessary to loosen the soil.
Watering. Watering pomegranate should be moderate, especially from the second growing season: overdrying of the soil can lead to cracking of the fruit.
Shelter. In winter, you can pull the branches sacking. If the pomegranate was planted at an angle, it is gently bent to the soil and insulated with earth: about 4 shovels should be placed on the top, and a 20 cm layer should be applied to the whole plant.
Pruning. Pomegranate should be a bush of 6 stems oblique-fan-shaped. This allows not to injure the plant during the shelter in winter. The disturbing and excess branches, basal and shtambovy growth must be removed regularly. Once in 20 years, the pomegranate requires a "rejuvenating pruning": all branches above the ground are removed, which stimulates the growth of new branches and an abundance of harvest.
Breeding methods
Pomegranate multiplies by two methods: seed and vegetative.
- Seed method. It is necessary to take seeds from a ripe fruit, place them on moist soil and sprinkle them with about a centimeter layer of earth. The soil should not be allowed to dry until the seeds germinate and reach a height of 3 cm. After that, they are transplanted so that the distance between the sprouts is at least 4 cm. When the plants germinate and there is no space between them, they will swoop again.
- Vegetative method (cutting). From annual shoots of plants, cuttings of about 25 cm are cut and rooted in a well-fertilized area. The cuttings are planted in soil heated to 12 degrees, the depth is about 10 cm. One internode should be left on the surface. The plant will take root in late May or early June.
Collection and storage of fruits
In the south, the pomegranate ripens in October. The rind acquires a rich red or pinkish yellow color. To collect a pomegranate, you need to accurately guess over time: ripe fruits immediately begin to crack.
Pomegranate fruits should be stored in a well-ventilated area with a temperature of +2.
Pomegranate varieties
There are many varieties of grant. The main criterion is the softness of the seeds. The softer the seeds inside the fruit, the tastier and better the variety, but this type of pomegranate requires careful care.
"Gyuleisha pink", "Gyuleisha red". One of the best varieties of pomegranate, which is grown in Azerbaijan. Fruits are elongated, rounded, thin peel of pink (Guleisha pink) or red (Guleisha red) color. The grains are purple, juicy, have a sweet-sour taste.
"Ak Dona Krymskaya". Grown in the Crimea, has oval-shaped fruits and cream peel with red spots. The grains are sweet, sour. Gardeners consider this variety one of the simplest to grow.
"Kizil-anor". Early ripe variety, which is grown in Uzbekistan. Small fruits with a pinkish-scarlet peel, grains red and sour-sweet.
"Nana". Dwarf form of pomegranate, which is grown as a home plant ... It bears fruit all year round, the diameter of the fruit is up to 5 cm.
Choosing the right variety and observing these simple rules, you can grow pomegranate right in your garden and enjoy its tasty and juicy fruits.
We also bring to your attention a video story on the cultivation of pomegranate in central Russia:
