Pomegranates are surely one of the most fascinating plants in existence and have been catching the hearts, stomachs, and minds of humans for over 7000 years. In the right climate, they are easy to grow on any well-drained soil, require little care and attention once they are established, and are generally free from pests and diseases.
As the video shows , Our pomegranate shrubs in NoCal are used for our sheep to browse at end of harvest every year - in dry season. When no grass is available. (Mediterranean climate 9a, never watered, and in full clay soil). One thing you may not realize about clay soil and these hardier “less bred” type fruit trees, is that clay soil holds moisture very well and this allows for zero watering needed.. (outside of winter rains- and those are flooding rains here).
Thanks Tuffy, for sharing. It's a great point to remember regarding deep heavy clays in Mediterranean climates. I was in Göreme, Cappadocia last summer and was very surprised to see vineyards and orchards growing healthily in the stark dry landscape and even more surprised to learn that they are rainfed and receive adequate water from the deep clay during the high summer months.
Thanks for the great article a great round up of useful information. Where I am presently in Brasil the dried skin of the fruit is used as a tea for sore throat that usually comes when you get a cold.
I have planted some varieties in Nth Italy where I have a small agroforestry project going. they seem to be doing ok with the winter snow, but are young still. will let you know. Thanks again. regards Peter
I had no idea that Pomegranates were so versatile. I wish they would grow in our zone 5 - but I fear the periods of extreme cold, although usually short, would destroy the plants. It would be great if hardier cultivars were developed.
Thanks Louise and glad to hear you enjoyed the article. We're doing ok (at the moment) growing them in 5b - 6a but yet to have a harsh winter since we planted them 2 years ago. We're growing ' Acco 126' and 'Wonderful' , two cultivars that have been developed for colder climates and should be hardy to -15 C.
file:///var/mobile/Library/SMS/Attachments/45/05/023B0B20-1758-4659-B6C1-EDE3C76F637B/IMG_0374.MOV
As the video shows , Our pomegranate shrubs in NoCal are used for our sheep to browse at end of harvest every year - in dry season. When no grass is available. (Mediterranean climate 9a, never watered, and in full clay soil). One thing you may not realize about clay soil and these hardier “less bred” type fruit trees, is that clay soil holds moisture very well and this allows for zero watering needed.. (outside of winter rains- and those are flooding rains here).
Thanks Tuffy, for sharing. It's a great point to remember regarding deep heavy clays in Mediterranean climates. I was in Göreme, Cappadocia last summer and was very surprised to see vineyards and orchards growing healthily in the stark dry landscape and even more surprised to learn that they are rainfed and receive adequate water from the deep clay during the high summer months.
(I mean “clay soils in *Mediterranean climates*.” Clay soils in temperate climates are probably too wet for too long.)
Thanks for the great article a great round up of useful information. Where I am presently in Brasil the dried skin of the fruit is used as a tea for sore throat that usually comes when you get a cold.
I have planted some varieties in Nth Italy where I have a small agroforestry project going. they seem to be doing ok with the winter snow, but are young still. will let you know. Thanks again. regards Peter
Thanks Peter, it's great to hear of other uses from different regions around the world and do keep us posted regarding your plants in Italy
This was a great article.
I had no idea that Pomegranates were so versatile. I wish they would grow in our zone 5 - but I fear the periods of extreme cold, although usually short, would destroy the plants. It would be great if hardier cultivars were developed.
Thanks Louise and glad to hear you enjoyed the article. We're doing ok (at the moment) growing them in 5b - 6a but yet to have a harsh winter since we planted them 2 years ago. We're growing ' Acco 126' and 'Wonderful' , two cultivars that have been developed for colder climates and should be hardy to -15 C.