Pomegranates are a delicious and nutritious fruit that can be grown successfully indoors with the right care and conditions. While pomegranate trees can reach up to 30 feet tall when grown outdoors, dwarf varieties that only grow 2-4 feet tall are ideal for growing indoors in containers. With their attractive glossy leaves, tubular red flowers, and juicy red seeds, pomegranate trees make a beautiful and productive addition to any indoor space.
Choosing a Dwarf Variety
Popular dwarf varieties like ‘Nana’ and ‘Provence’ stay compact and are perfect for growing in containers indoors The dwarf variety ‘Nana’ is cold hardy to zone 7, while ‘Provence’ can handle temperatures down to 5°F, making it very adaptable to indoor conditions Other great container varieties include ‘State Fair’ which produces tons of juicy fruit on a plant that reaches just 5 feet tall at maturity.
Providing Optimal Growing Conditions
Sunlight – Pomegranates need full sun to produce fruit, so 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily is ideal Position them in a south or west-facing window if possible They can tolerate some partial shade but fruit production will be reduced.
Temperature – Warm temperatures above 80°F during the growing season are best, along with cool winters. Keep indoor temperatures warm in summer and don’t worry if it’s a bit cool in winter since pomegranates can handle temps down to 10°F.
Humidity – Low humidity is ideal. Avoid placing the plant in steamy areas of the home like bathrooms and kitchens. Use a dehumidifier if needed to keep humidity low.
Water – Allow soil to dry out partially between waterings but don’t let it get completely dry. Water deeply until it drains from the pot. Overwatering can cause fruit splitting, disease, and poor growth.
Fertilizer – Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during spring and summer. Avoid over-fertilizing which can prevent flowering and fruiting.
Pollination – Hand pollination is needed for fruit set if the plant stays indoors year-round since pollinators won’t have access.
Providing the Right Potting Mix
Pomegranates can grow in most well-draining potting mixes. Use a lightweight mix amended with compost, peat moss, perlite or vermiculite to prevent soil compaction and allow for excellent drainage. Clay soils should be avoided as they hold too much moisture.
Pruning and Training for Shape
Frequent pruning and training of young pomegranate trees is needed to maintain a compact shape ideal for indoor growing. Allow 3-6 main trunks to develop and prune off other shoots at the base. Prune off suckers as they appear and any dead branches annually.
Harvest Time
Patience is required when growing pomegranates indoors! Plants generally won’t produce fruit until their 3rd or 4th year. Ripe fruits will have a matte, leathery look and make a metallic sound when tapped. Use pruning shears to cut the fruits from the tree to avoid damage. Store harvested fruit in a cool, dry place for 1-2 months.
Overwintering Care Tips
In winter, keep plants away from hot and cold drafts. Avoid overwatering and let the soil dry out more between waterings. Move the plant outside in spring to help break dormancy after the last frost. Once new growth resumes, move back inside and resume regular care.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
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Yellow leaves – This can indicate overwatering, underwatering, or micronutrient deficiencies. Adjust watering practices and fertilize if needed.
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Lack of flowers/fruit – Insufficient sunlight, over-fertilizing, or inadequate pollination are common causes.
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Pests – Thrips, mealybugs and mites may sometimes infest plants. Use horticultural oils or insecticidal soap sprays to control.
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Diseases – Leaf spots, blights, and blossom rot may occur. Improve air circulation and promptly remove and destroy infected plant parts.
Growing pomegranate trees indoors is an extremely rewarding endeavor. Their ornamental qualities alone make them a wonderful addition to any indoor space. By selecting dwarf varieties suited to containers, providing optimal sunlight and temperatures, pruning diligently, and allowing time for the plants to mature and bear fruit, you can successfully harvest delicious pomegranates from plants grown right inside your own home!
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How to Grow Pomegranates Inside
Pomegranate trees reach mature heights of up to 30 feet (9 m.), which makes them too tall for most home environments. You can get around the size problem when growing pomegranate houseplants by planting a dwarf pomegranate tree, which reaches heights and widths of 2 to 4 feet (61 cm. to 1 m.). Many people grow dwarf pomegranates strictly as ornamental trees because the small, sour fruits are loaded with seeds. Plant your pomegranate tree in a sturdy pot with a diameter of about 12 to 14 inches (31-36 cm.). Fill the pot with a lightweight commercial potting mix. Place the tree in a sunny spot; pomegranate needs as much sunlight as possible. Normal room temperatures are fine.
Water your pomegranate tree frequently enough to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Water deeply until water drips through the drainage hole, then let the soil dry slightly before watering again. Never allow the soil to become bone dry. Feed your pomegranate tree every other week during spring and summer, using an all-purpose liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Repot the pomegranate to a pot just one size larger when the plant becomes slightly rootbound, but not before. Prune your pomegranate tree in early spring. Remove any dead growth and trim just enough to remove wayward growth and maintain the desired shape. Pinch the tips of new growth occasionally to encourage a full, compact plant.
Indoor Pomegranate Trees in Winter
Pomegranate houseplants need at least four to six hours of bright light every day. If you can’t provide this naturally, you may need to supplement available light with grow lights or fluorescent bulbs. If the winter air in your home is dry, place the pot on a tray of wet pebbles, but be sure the bottom of the pot isn’t actually standing in the water. Keep the soil slightly on the dry side and be careful not to overwater the plant during the winter months.
How to Grow Pomegranate Tree in a Pot & Container | Pomegranate Tree Care
FAQ
Can you grow pomegranate as a houseplant?
These delicacies can be grown in a pot or on a patio. It is entirely possible to grow pomegranate indoors provided it receives sufficient arid provisions.
How long does it take for a pomegranate tree to fruit?
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Early Fruit Production:While some trees might produce a few fruits in their second or third year, a proper harvest usually occurs after 3-6 years.
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Maturity:Trees reach full maturity and commercial production around 5-7 years of age.
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Factors Affecting Fruiting:Climate, sun exposure, soil, plant age, and care practices all play a role in when a pomegranate tree starts fruiting.
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Pomegranate Tree Lifespan:Pomegranate trees are long-lived and can bear fruit for decades, with some cultivars living for hundreds of years.
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Harvest Time:Pomegranate fruit typically matures and is harvested from October to January.
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Pruning:Pruning can help encourage new growth and more flowers and fruits, especially in the first few years.
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Potted Trees:Potted pomegranate trees, which are often available for purchase, may start fruiting sooner than trees grown from seed or cuttings.
Do pomegranates grow well in pots?
These fruit trees can live over 200 years in the right growing conditions and start fruiting early on in life! Nature Hills ships our Pomegranate trees as 3-4-year-old mature root systems, so you can enjoy fruit sooner! Best of all – They grow AMAZINGLY in pots, planters, and containers!
Are pomegranates hard to grow?
- Sunlight: Pomegranates thrive in full sun (6-8 hours daily).
- Soil: They prefer well-drained soil and are adaptable to various soil types.
- Climate: Pomegranates do well in warm, dry climates, but can also be grown in cooler regions with protection.
- Water: Once established, pomegranates are drought-tolerant, but regular watering is needed during the establishment phase and for optimal fruit production.
- Pest and Disease Resistance: Pomegranates are generally resistant to pests and diseases.
- Growing Zones: Pomegranates thrive in USDA plant hardiness zones 7-10.
Can pomegranate trees be grown indoors?
Here’s how it works. If you think that pomegranate trees are exotic specimens that require a specialized environment and an expert’s touch, you may be surprised that growing pomegranate trees indoors is actually relatively easy. In fact, indoor pomegranate trees actually make great houseplants.
How do you grow a pomegranate tree indoors?
To help them thrive, choose a deep pot with drainage. Pomegranate trees have shallow roots that make them suitable for growing indoors in containers. To help them thrive, choose the right size pot, such as a wine barrel. Make sure there’s enough drainage at the bottom to let excess moisture drain away.
Do pomegranate trees make good houseplants?
In fact, indoor pomegranate trees actually make great houseplants. Some gardeners enjoy growing pomegranate bonsai, which are simply miniature forms of natural trees. Read on to learn more about how to grow pomegranates inside and specifics about indoor pomegranate care.
Do pomegranates grow in winter?
Make sure you keep your indoor space warm, especially through the summer. In winter, don’t worry if your home gets a little cold. Pomegranates are cold-hardy to around 10-15°F (-12 to -9°C) so a little indoor chill won’t hurt them. Having enough warmth in your indoor space will help your trees grow plenty of fruit.
Do pomegranate trees need a garden?
Pomegranate trees (Punica granatum) produce one of nature’s most emblematic, nutritious, and delicious fruits. You’ll see these iconic fruit trees growing in gardens from California to the Alhambra in Spain and the palaces of Rajasthan. Fortunately, you don’t need an ornate garden or any outdoor space at all to grow pomegranates.
Do pomegranates need a lot of space?
Growing pomegranates indoors can be a rewarding experience, but it requires a substantial amount of space. To ensure your pomegranate plants are healthy and productive, you’ll need to ensure they have enough space to spread out and receive adequate sunlight.