The Punica granatum is a deciduous plant that may mature as high as 25 feet if left unpruned . Thenaturalvase - like chassis and arching ramification are attractive but may not be the best option for advertise fruit development . Pruning can concentrate the potential for disease , increase production and make the pomegranate look adept .
Growing Pomegranates
Native to what is now Iran , pomegranates haveadaptedto hot , desiccated climates . They typically perform just in USDA Zones 8 to 10 , but some are dauntless in Zone or even 6 . You canplantthem in any kind of land as long as it drains well . body of water weekly – or more often in blistering , Laputan weather – but never countenance water stand on the roots . Fertilize two or three times a year while actively growing .
Tools for Pruning
The right tools make pruning easier and decrease the endangerment of combat injury to both you and the plant . Sharpen cutting tool before use ; white and oil them after use . Here are the basic principle :
Pruning for Fruit
If your goal is plenty of fruit , use the commercial raiser ’s proficiency . After removing any stagnant or scotch branches , rationalize the branch back to goad new fruit - producing spurs . Make a slanting cut just above a ontogenesis node . When deal with a fledged Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that is n’t producing much yield , dress hard can help invigorate the tree and increase both flowering and yield set .
Pruning to Shape
If you care less about yield and more about the pomegranate ’s decorative value , you ’ll want to rationalise to showcase the naturally arching form . Again , polish off bushed , crossed branches first . Prune for a tree shape by opt one independent stalk when the tree diagram is young and prune to force growth into that stem . Prune the arm lightly to increase bushiness .
When to Prune
Like most deciduous yield tree , the pomegranate goes dormant in winter . This is the good time for major pruning . Ideally , you should prune just as the leaf buds start to get . you may dress broken or pathologic leg any time , however . Pomegranates also bring forth suckers and these can be pruned at any metre of the year .
Other Pruning Tips and Tricks
Pay near attending to growth nodes when pruning for flesh or fruit product . When dress suckers or to completely remove a branch , however , rationalize back to the base . If a branch is diseased , always clean your tools before move on to another branch or Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree . Use pruning sealant on any branches that are ½ in or more in diameter to protect from worm and disease organisms .
