Fruit Tree Database

Fruit Type

Pomegranate

Variety/Cultivar

Punica Granatum. There are many different varieties (see descriptions of some of them below)

Fruit Description

The round red fruit is actually a false berry. It contains red grains (arils) and segments. The arils contain a seed surrounded by edible juicy pulp.Seeds may be either soft or hard, depending on the variety. Juice can be either very acidic or very sweet, or somewhere in between! Fruit size is also very dependent on variety.Some of the most common varieties include: Ben Hur (BH) - new patented variety, very large fruit, bright red, sweet and juicy. Berri (B) - large, unattractive skin, grain not highly coloured, not juicy, mild flavoured, not good variety. Elche (E) - medium, pale pink, very high in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, excellent flavour, much be picked at the right time (see below). Griffith (G) - large, claret red skin, red grains, rich flavour, slightly too acidic, not a bad variety. Gulosha Azerbaijani (GA)- large, pink skin, slightly elongated, large red grains, juicy. Gulosha Rosavaya (GR)- large, light pink skin, large red grains, juicy, excellent flavour. Iran (I) - large, orangey red, thick skin, good size grains, sweet, juicy, less vulnerable to fruit fly. Midnight Velvet (MV) - new patented variety with dark red skin, deep red flesh and juice, hardy. Parfianka - small to medium, red, small seeds, excellent flavour, high juice content, naturally dwarfing. Red Velvet (RV) - a new patented variety with medium fruit, dark pink to red skin, rich red flesh and juice. Veles (V) - medium, squarish shape, pink-red skin, juicy, rich flavour, very acidic. Victorian Giant (VG) - medium, claret red, more acidic than GR, not a good variety. Wonderful (W) - medium, claret red skin, more acidic than GR, best variety for combination of sweetness, acidity, and appearance.

Common Uses

Every part of the pomegranate tree has medicinal properties. The dried bark of pomegranate constitutes the drug Granatum (or pomegranate bark). It's known to kill intestinal parasites, treat dysentery, and even treat tuberculosis (but of course, use under advice from a qualified practitioner).The fruit is considered a superfood! Contains Vit C, A, B2, plus high levels of Phosphorus, polyphenols, and antioxidants. It was used in Russia after Chernobyl to decrease the symptoms of radioactivity. Fruit is often taken as juice for the health benefits. Varieties range from 45-65% juice.

Origin

Native of northern India and Iran.

Pollination

Both self-and cross-pollinated, so having two different varieties should result in better yields.

Chill Hours

Many varieties have a low chill hour requirement of 100-300. Plants are very heat and cold tolerant.

Blossom Time

Pomegranates usually bloom for a relatively long time from late spring to summer.

Harvest Time

From March to May depending on your climate and variety. Fruit should make a metallic sound when tapped. Fruit does not ripen off the tree. Fruit may crack if allowed to get too mature on the tree.

Production Notes

Pomegranates are deciduous, and grow into a large shrub or small tree up to 5m high. The natural habit of pomegranates is to grow as a multi-trunked tree, however, they can also be pruned into a more regular tree shape e.g. a single-trunked 'vase' shaped tree. Branches tend to be slender and thorny. Leaves are dark green, glossy.Pomegranates do not usually start to have fruit for 3 or 4 years after planting, because they bear on mature wood (2-3 years old and older), so be careful not to prune too much wood out.Can be grown as a seedlings, but fruit variable. Can easily be grown as cuttings (but this should not be done with patented varieties).Not particularly heavy feeders. Good drought tolerance, higher salt tolerance than most fruit crops.Pick fruit by clipping the stem close to the fruit.

Disease Susceptibility

Pomegranates have few pest and disease issues, but are surprisingly attractive to Queensland and Mediterranean fruit fly, if the fruit is cracked to allow ingress. Fruit will crack if too mature, there's irregular watering, too much rainfall in autumn, hi

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