Pomegranates

Pomegranate Trees

Pomegranate trees, or Punica granatum, are a versatile addition to any garden. These long-lived deciduous trees can range from small shrubs to compact small trees, usually reaching a height of 5-8 meters. They add beauty to your garden with attractive orange to red flowers in spring, which later give way to the wonderful pomegranate fruit.

While pomegranate trees are prized for their fruit, they also make excellent hedging plants and serve as interesting ornamental specimens. Their glossy foliage and attractive red flowers are followed by the iconic fruit, which will remain on the tree after the leaves have dropped.

These trees come in various species with differing flavour profiles, ranging from sweet to pleasantly bitter.

Perhaps the two best fruit varieties of Pomegranate for sale to the home gardener are Gulosha Rosavaya and Gulosha Azerbaijani. These are less bitter than many others. Wonderful is one of the most widely grown commercial varieties.

New dwarf pomegranate tree varieties are now available, perfect for smaller gardens or those looking to enjoy these fruits without the hassle of a large tree. These compact versions typically grow to a height of 1-2 meters, making them an excellent choice for smaller spaces.

Growing Pomegranate Trees

Pomegranates are adaptable to a range of Australian climates. They are well-suited to regions with hot, arid climates and while they may not withstand extreme cold, they can flourish in various regions, including the Dandenong Ranges near Melbourne and Queensland. These trees not only thrive but also bear fruit, even in cold, wet winters, provided they are situated in well-drained soil.

Pomegranates will grow from temperate areas through to subtropical. It is not difficult to grow pomegranates, given the right climate.

When it comes to cultivating these trees, there are a few key factors to keep in mind:

Sunlight: Pomegranate trees thrive in full sun. They require at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight daily to produce their famous fruit. Ensure they’re planted in a sunny, well-exposed location in your garden.

Soil: Well-drained soil is crucial for pomegranates. They are highly tolerant of various soil types, from loam to clay, but they won’t survive in waterlogged soil. Proper drainage is essential. A deep humus-rich, loamy soil is best.

Watering: Pomegranates are relatively drought-resistant once established. However, they will benefit from regular watering during their initial growth stages. Once mature, water them sparingly, allowing the soil to dry slightly between watering.

Pruning: Pomegranate trees require minimal pruning. To maintain a tidy shape and encourage healthy growth, prune away dead or overcrowded branches from late winter to early spring

Propagation

Although pomegranates can be grown from seed, it is best to look for named cultivars developed for this purpose if you are after good-quality fruit.

The pomegranate tree will take a few years to grow from a small seedling to a size where it will bear fruit. During the initial two years, fruiting may be scarce or nonexistent. Around the 3-4 year mark, you will get a few fruits, and then the tree will gradually up its fruit production.

Dwarf Pomegranate Fruit Tree Varieties

Dwarf pomegranate trees (Punica granatum ‘Nana’) have been around for over 200 years. These charming little trees are now accessible in Australia and many are offered as grafted cultivars onto the dwarfing ‘nana’ rootstock.

Remember to ask what type is grafted onto it. Try looking for the sweeter pomegranate varieties such as ‘Gulosha Rosavaya‘ and ‘Gulosha Azerbaijani‘.

Pomegranate Tree Varieties

Different varieties and cultivars have very different characteristics, like sweetness and final size. Some of the better varieties include Wonderful and Gulosha Azerbaijani. The first of these is widely grown commercially. The second does not have great-looking fruit, however, the taste is superior to most, being very sweet and juicy.

• Achik Dani
• Anar shirin Mohamed Ali
• Bassein Seedless
• Ben Hur
• Big Red
• Chawla
• Eche – Very high in antioxidants and developed in Spain, as the name suggests.
• Elcite
• Ganesh
• Griffiths
• Gulosha Azerbaijani – Very deep red fleshy seeds, juicy and well worth growing.
• Galoshna Rosavaya – A slightly elongated fruit with a very good flavour.
• Isseka
• Jalore Seedless
• Jativa
• Johdpur Red
• Jyothi
• Kandahar Kabul
• Kazake
• Nabha
• Veles
• Wonderful – One of the best commercial varieties. This variety has deep crimson-red flesh and softer seeds compared to many others.

Pomegranate Fruit Trees For Sale Online in Australia

YALCA FRUIT TREES- Ph : 03 58682062
Mail order fruit tree nursery with over 200 temperate climate fruit trees. 
Heritage varieties and dwarf fruit trees. Apple Trees, Stone Fruit, Nut Trees and Berry Fruit.
www.yalcafruittrees.com.au

TREE GROWERS NURSERY - Phone 0490206035 
Lot 522 Pavans Access Grassy Head NSW 2441
Fruit trees specialising in Avocados, Custard apples, Persimmons, Jackfruit,Black Sapote and Pomegranates. Online sales and Wholesale.
www.treegrowers.com.au

WHITE HOUSE NURSERY - Jess Exiner & Peter Harris
412 James Lane, Fern Hill VIC. 3458 - Phone 0419002651
Large range of Rare plants, Climbers, Bulbs, Perennials Fruit Trees, Ornamental Trees and Shrubs. Available both Retail and by Mail Order 
www.whitehousenursery.com.au

ADELAIDE TREE FARM - phone 0452 667 175
Carey Gully, Adelaide Hills.
Family business selling a large range of deciduous trees in pots 1-4m high. Crepe myrtle specialist. Includes Ornamental pears & plums, Red maples, Japanese maples, Gingko, Cercis, Ash, Birch, Crab apples, Weeping cherries, Gleditsia, Liquidambar and more. Hedging plants, evergreen trees & fruit trees. 
www.adelaidetreefarm.com.au

MUSKER'S at BROUGHTON HALL Rare Plant Nursery - ph 0417056110
125 Palmer Rd Jindivick 3818
Open Thursday - Sunday 10am - 4pm
Specialising in growing and selling Rare and Unusual Trees, shrubs Perennials Bulbs and Climbers, a unique nursery with amazing stock.
www.muskersbroughtonhall.com.au