How to Grow Your Own Pomegranates from Seeds in 5 Easy Steps

Pomegranates are one of the most ancient and revered fruits in the world. They have been cultivated for thousands of years in the Mediterranean region, where they are considered a symbol of prosperity and fertility. Pomegranates are also rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making them a superfood for your health.

But did you know that you can grow your own pomegranates from seeds at home? Yes, you read that right. You don’t need to buy expensive plants or cuttings from nurseries. All you need are some fresh pomegranate seeds and some basic gardening supplies. In this article, we will show you how to grow pomegranate plants from seeds in five easy steps. You will learn how to:

• Germinate the pomegranate seeds
• Plant the sprouted seeds in pots
• Care for the pomegranate seedlings
• Transplant the pomegranate seedlings
• Harvest and enjoy your pomegranates

By following these steps, you will be able to grow your own pomegranates from seeds at home and enjoy their delicious and nutritious fruits. Let’s get started!

Step 1: Germinate the Pomegranate Seeds

The first step to grow pomegranates from seeds is to germinate them. Germination is the process of a seed sprouting and developing roots and shoots. Germination is important because it activates the seed’s potential to grow into a plant.

To germinate pomegranate seeds, you will need:

• Fresh pomegranate seeds
• Paper towels or cotton pads
• Plastic bags or containers

Here’s how to germinate pomegranate seeds:

1. Select a ripe and juicy pomegranate fruit from the market or your garden. Avoid fruits that are dry, shriveled, or cracked.
2. Cut open the fruit and scoop out the seeds with a spoon. You can also use your fingers to gently separate the seeds from the white membrane.
3. Rinse the seeds under running water to remove any pulp or juice. Pat them dry with a paper towel.
4. Prepare a paper towel or a cotton pad by moistening it with water. It should be damp but not dripping wet.
5. Place some seeds on the paper towel or cotton pad and fold it over to cover them.
6. Seal the paper towel or cotton pad in a plastic bag or a container. Label it with the date and the name of the seed.
7. Store the plastic bag or container in a warm and dark place, such as a cupboard or a drawer. The ideal temperature for germination is between 20°C and 25°C (68°F and 77°F).
8. Check the seeds every few days for signs of sprouting and mold. If you see any mold, discard the affected seeds and paper towel or cotton pad. If you see any sprouts, proceed to step 2.

It may take up to two weeks for pomegranate seeds to germinate. Be patient and don’t give up!

Step 2: Plant the Sprouted Seeds in Pots

The second step to grow pomegranates from seeds is to plant them in pots. Planting in pots is preferable to planting directly in the ground because it gives you more control over the soil, water, and sunlight conditions. It also makes it easier to transplant them later.

To plant sprouted pomegranate seeds in pots, you will need:

• Sprouted pomegranate seeds
• Pots with drainage holes
• Potting mix

Here’s how to plant sprouted pomegranate seeds in pots:

1. Choose pots that are at least 10 cm (4 inches) in diameter and have drainage holes at the bottom. You can use plastic, clay, or ceramic pots.
2. Fill the pots with a well-draining potting mix that is rich in organic matter. You can use a commercial potting mix or make your own by mixing equal parts of compost, perlite, and sand.
3. Make small holes in the potting mix with your finger or a pencil. The holes should be about 1 cm (0.4 inches) deep and 5 cm (2 inches) apart.
4. Insert the sprouted seeds gently into the holes, with the root facing down and the shoot facing up. Cover the seeds lightly with more potting mix and water them well.
5. Place the pots in a sunny and sheltered spot indoors or outdoors. Pomegranate plants need at least six hours of direct sunlight per day to grow well.

Step 3: Care for the Pomegranate Seedlings

The third step to grow pomegranates from seeds is to care for them. Caring for pomegranate seedlings is not difficult, but it requires some attention and dedication. You will need to provide them with water, fertilizer, protection, and pruning.

To care for pomegranate seedlings, you will need:

• Water
• Fertilizer
• Pruning shears

Here’s how to care for pomegranate seedlings:

1. Water the seedlings regularly but not excessively. The soil should be moist but not soggy. Overwatering can cause root rot and fungal diseases. Underwatering can cause wilting and stunted growth. A good rule of thumb is to water when the top 2 cm (0.8 inches) of the soil feels dry to the touch.
2. Fertilize the seedlings monthly with a balanced organic fertilizer during the growing season, which is from spring to fall. You can use a liquid or granular fertilizer that has equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (N-P-K), such as 10-10-10 or 20-20-20. Follow the instructions on the label for the dosage and application method.
3. Protect the seedlings from pests and diseases, such as aphids, scale insects, fungal infections, etc. You can use natural or organic methods to prevent and treat these problems, such as spraying with neem oil, soap water, or baking soda solution. You can also introduce beneficial insects, such as ladybugs or lacewings, to control the pests.
4. Prune the seedlings lightly to remove any dead or damaged branches and encourage bushy growth. You can also pinch off the tips of the main stem and the side branches to promote branching and flowering. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring, before the new growth starts.

Step 4: Transplant the Pomegranate Seedlings

The fourth step to grow pomegranates from seeds is to transplant them. Transplanting is necessary when the plants outgrow their pots or when you want to move them to a permanent location in your garden. Transplanting affects the growth and fruiting of pomegranate plants, so it should be done carefully and at the right time.

To transplant pomegranate seedlings, you will need:

• Pomegranate seedlings
• A permanent location for your plants
• A shovel
• Water
• Mulch

Here’s how to transplant pomegranate seedlings:

1. Choose a permanent location for your pomegranate plants that has well-drained soil, full sun exposure, and enough space for them to grow. Pomegranate plants can tolerate a wide range of soil pH, from 5.5 to 7.5, but they prefer slightly acidic soil. They also need at least 3 m (10 feet) of space between them to avoid crowding and competition.
2. Dig holes that are twice as wide and deep as the pots that your plants are in. Loosen the soil around the holes and add some compost or manure to enrich it.
3. Remove the plants from their pots carefully without disturbing their roots. You can tap or squeeze the pots gently to loosen them or cut them open if they are too tight.
4. Place the plants in the holes and fill them with soil, making sure that the root collar (the point where the stem meets the roots) is level with the ground surface. Do not bury the plants too deep or too shallow.
5. Water the plants thoroughly and mulch them with organic matter, such as straw, leaves, or wood chips, to conserve moisture and prevent weeds.

Step 5: Harvest and Enjoy Your Pomegranates

The fifth and final step to grow pomegranates from seeds is to harvest and enjoy them. Harvesting is the most rewarding part of growing pomegranates from seeds because you get to taste the fruits of your labor literally.

To harvest and enjoy your pomegranates, you will need:

• Pomegranates
• A knife
• A bowl
• A spoon

Here’s how to harvest and enjoy your pomegranates:

1. Wait until your pomegranates are ripe before picking them from your plants. Ripe pomegranates have a deep red or purple color, a firm and smooth skin, and a heavy weight. They also make a metallic sound when tapped lightly. You can also check the maturity of your pomegranates by cutting one open and tasting the seeds. They should be juicy, sweet, and tart.
2. Cut the pomegranates from your plants with a sharp knife, leaving about 2 cm (0.8 inches) of stem attached to them. Do not pull or twist the fruits, as this may damage them or the plants. Handle the pomegranates gently and avoid bruising or cracking them.
3. Store your pomegranates properly in a cool and dry place for up to two months. You can also refrigerate or freeze them for longer storage. Do not wash your pomegranates until you are ready to eat them, as this may cause them to spoil faster.
4. Cut open your pomegranates and remove the seeds easily without making a mess. You can use different methods to do this, such as scoring, submerging, or tapping. Here is one simple method that you can try:
   • Cut off the crown (the top part with the stem) and the bottom of the pomegranate with a knife.
   • Score the skin of the pomegranate along the ridges with a knife, making four to six shallow cuts.
   • Pry open the pomegranate along the cuts with your fingers or a spoon, exposing the seeds inside.
   • Loosen the seeds from the white membrane with your fingers or a spoon, and drop them into a bowl of water.
   • Discard the skin and the membrane, and drain the water from the bowl.
5. Eat your pomegranate seeds raw or use them in various recipes, such as salads, smoothies, desserts, etc. You can also juice them or make them into jam, jelly, syrup, or wine. Pomegranate seeds are delicious and nutritious, as they contain antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They also have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties, thanks to a type of fatty acid called punic acid.

Conclusion

Growing your own pomegranates from seeds at home is easy and rewarding. You just need to follow these five steps:

• Germinate the pomegranate seeds
• Plant the sprouted seeds in pots
• Care for the pomegranate seedlings
• Transplant the pomegranate seedlings
• Harvest and enjoy your pomegranates

By doing so, you will be able to enjoy fresh and juicy pomegranates that you grew yourself. You will also save money and have fun in the process.

We hope you found this article helpful and informative. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. We would love to hear from you.

Thank you for reading and happy gardening!

About The Author

Samantha

I’m Samantha, a plant enthusiast who has been growing plants for years. I believe that plants can make our lives better, both physically and mentally. I started growit.wiki to share my knowledge about how to grow plants. I want to help others enjoy the beauty and benefits of plants.

See author's posts