Like many dwarf fruit trees, Dwarf Pomegranate trees are well-suited to indoor growing. The plant has a shallow root system, making it ideal for growing in pots. Punica granatum is native to the Mediterranean and Middle East.
Dwarf Pomegranate Tree Appearance
The Dwarf Pomegranate is a fast-growing, evergreen plant. The tree features glossy leaves on stalks that grow to a height of 2 feet (61 cm) tall. Traditionally, Pomegranate trees bloom in the summer, but indoor plants are capable of blooming any time of the year if conditions are right. The blooms are tubular, red flowers. Once the flowers die off, the fruit begins to grow. Pomegranate is a roundish, red fruit with a leathery skin covering sweet and juicy seeds.
Miniature Pomegranate Tree Light Requirements
Provide between six to eight hours of sunlight per day. Exposure from a South or West-facing window for optimal fruit development. The Pomegranate tree will grow in partial shade but fruit production will be decreased.
Watering Your Dwarf Pomegranate
Keep the soil moist, but not soggy, for optimal plant health and fruit production. Water the plant when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil feels dry. Waterlogged soil leads to root issues, encourages pests, and often results in split fruit. While proper watering technique is essential for tree health and fruit production, it is especially important when the tree is young and becoming established.
Soil and Fertilizer Requirements
Grow your Dwarf Pomegranate tree in well-draining soil. Use regular potting soil amended with peat or perlite to improve drainage. A proper soil mixture allows the water to absorb into the soil quickly and not pool on the surface. The miniature Pomegranate tree requires more fertilizing when it’s young. For trees up to three years old, fertilize the plant twice a year. Give the first feeding in the early winter and follow up with one more feeding in the early spring. Use a fertilizer designed for citrus trees for optimal results. For older trees, fertilize no more than once per year, preferably in the early spring, to aid in blooming.
Temperature and Humidity
Pomegranate trees prefer warm temperatures, but low humidity. Ideal temperatures during the growing season are above 80 Fahrenheit (26.6 Celsius). Moving your tree outdoors in the summer makes maintaining this temperature range easier. During the winter, temperatures around 50 F (10C) are fine. Keep humidity levels low as high humidity interferes with flowering. If keeping the Dwarf Pomegranate tree indoors, use a dehumidifier or fan to manage the humidity.
Harvesting Pomegranates
Most trees are ready to produce fruit when they are two to three years old. To recognize when a Pomegranate is ripe, look for the fruit’s skin to have a matte appearance, not glossy. The shape of the fruit should be more hexagonal instead of round. Always cut the stems from the tree instead of pulling the fruit off. Cut directly above the fruit. Store your Pomegranate in a cool, dry place or in the fridge.
Propagating the Dwarf Pomegranate Tree
The easiest method to propagate a Pomegranate tree is from cuttings. Snip a 10-inch stem from a mature tree during the winter. Coat the cut end of the stem into a rooting hormone. Fill a small pot with a light potting soil and insert the stem until only 2 to 3 inches of the stem is left above the soil. Keep the soil moist, but not soggy, and in a place with temperatures around 75F.
Common Pests and Diseases
Aphids and mealybugs are common pests to watch for on your Pomegranate tree. The insects will be visible, as will a sticky honeydew the pests secrete after feeding on the tree. Manage infestations without the use of chemicals by spraying the tree down with a shower nozzle or garden hose. Remove any remaining pests with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. For persistent infestations, use neem oil to remove the pests.
Bacterial leaf and fruit spot are common diseases to infect Pomegranate trees. The diseases present as water soaked spots on leaves and, eventually, foliage loss. Brown spots on the fruit, which eventually splits open, is another symptom. Remove affected fruits and any affected parts of the tree. Follow up with the use of a fungicide product, as directed.
The Pomegranate is a delicious and exotic fruit. Growing your own with a Dwarf Pomegranate tree in your home is easy and very rewarding. If the idea of growing your own tropical fruit appeals to you, add a Pomegranate tree to your indoor plant collection.
Dwarf Pomegranate Tree FAQ
While Pomegranate is not considered toxic to pets, it can cause stomach upset and digestive problems. It is best to keep the fruit away from your pets to be safe.
The tree will grow outdoors, in the ground, in USDA zones 8 to 10.
Pomegranates are high in antioxidants, help with inflammation, and studies show it may help with kidney stones.
Repot your Pomegranate tree once it becomes root bound in its current pot. The best time of the year to repot your tree is in the early spring before any blooms appear.
Pomegranate goes well with most berries and citrus fruits. It also pairs well with flavors such as chocolate, cinnamon, squash, and coconut.
