Pomegranate Trees
Pomegranate Trees or ‘Punica granatum’ are a deciduous tree to small shrub that have decorative and edible fruit. A small tree reaching a height of around 5 – 8m depending on variety, conditions and soil. They do have attractive orange to red flowers in spring, followed by the wonderful pomegranate fruit.
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.
Pomegranates are one of the oldest cultivated trees.New Dwarf pomegranate trees that will grow to only 1-2 m are now available.
Growing Pomegranate Trees
Pomegranate Trees are used both for their fruits and as ornamental trees. Different species have different qualities, some pomegranates are very bitter, others are sweet. Pomegranate trees are long lived and will grow to 5-6m depending on conditions.
Although seem as being grown for the fruit, they also make good hedging plants, and an interesting ornamental specimen in the garden, good glossy foliage, attractive red flowers followed by the classic shaped fruit, which will remain on the tree after the foliage has dropped.
The pomegranate tree in flower (pictured right) is growing in a sunny position in the Dandenong ranges in Victoria.
It does fruit, and it certainly copes with cold wet winters, in its well drained position.
In Australia, pomegranates will grow in most areas, they do not like extreme cold, however they will happily grow and fruit in the Dandenong ranges near Melbourne and grow well in Queensland as well.
Propagation
Although pomegranates can be grown from seed, it you are after good quality fruit you are best to look for named cultivars that have been developed for this purpose.
From a small seedling to a size where it will bear fruit the pomegranate tree will take a few years. In the first two years you will be lucky to get any fruit. At 3 – 4 years you will get a few and then the tree will begin to produce more fruit.
Basic Care
It is not difficult to grow pomegranates given the right climate. A sunny warm position is best. A deep humus rich loamy soil is best.
- Pomegranates will grow from temperate areas through to sub tropical.
- Best in full sun
- Frosts can be a problem. In cooler areas pomegranates are semi – deciduous.
- Prune in late winter to very early spring to maintain a bushy habit
- Once established, these are really drought tolerant, however like most fruit trees they need adequate water to ensure a good crop of fruit.
Dwarf Pomegranate Fruit Tree Varieties
Dwarf pomegranate (Punica granatum ‘Nana’) trees have been around for over 200 years, and are now available in Australia, some of these have cultivars these are grafted 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
Remember that different varieties and cultivars have some 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 a great looking fruit, however taste is superior to most, very sweet and juicy.
- Achik Dani
- Anar shirin Mohamed Ali
- Bassein Seedless
- 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
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
Lot 522 Pavans Access Grassy Head NSW 2441
Fruit trees specialising in avocados, custard apples, cherimoyas, persimmons and pomegranates. Online sales and wholesale.
www.treegrowers.com.au
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
1070 Jacksons Track, Jindivick 3818
Specialising in growing and selling Rare and Unusual Trees, shrubs Perennials Bulbs and Climbers, a unique nursery with amazing stock.
www.jindivickcountrygardener.com.au
PARR’S NURSERY – Ph/fax – 02 6493 6795
Bermagui RoadCobargo. NSW. 2550
Good collection of Pomegranates including Elche, Jativa, Gulosha Azerbaijani, Kazake, Veles, Wonderful.