How to Grow a Pomegranate Tree from Seed

The vibrant red seeds inside a fresh pomegranate contain enough energy to potentially sprout and grow into a brand new tree. Pomegranates grow readily from seed, which enables you to grow unique new varieties at home for free. However, patience is required since growing a pomegranate from seed takes 5-8 years before yielding the first harvestable fruits.

In this comprehensive guide, we will walk through everything you need to know about planting pomegranate seeds, caring for young seedlings, overwintering, transplanting, and eventually enjoying homegrown pomegranates using this rewarding propagation method.

An Overview of Growing Pomegranates from Seed

Pomegranates can absolutely be grown successfully from seeds saved from a store-bought fruit. The seedlings will naturally be variable not exact clones of the parent, but will likely inherit some of the same traits.

While planting pomegranate seeds is easy enough, getting them to grow into a mature, fruiting tree takes significant time and care. Here are a few key points to understand:

• It takes 1-2 months for seeds to germinate and sprout initially.
• The young seedlings will only have straggly stems and leaves the first year.
• After 2-3 years the small trees will become more established but cannot survive outdoors year-round.
• Overwintering young trees indoors is crucial to protect them until mature enough for the elements.
• Transplant outdoors only once the trees are 5-6 ft. tall and the stem base is over 1 inch thick.
• Trees generally take 5-8 years from seed before producing flowers and fruit.
• Patience and proper care is required, but growing pomegranates from seeds is doable!

The long wait time makes purchasing young nursery tree stock a better option for anyone wanting fruit right away But for gardeners who love propagating plants from seeds or want to experiment with developing a new unique variety, it’s a fun long-term project

Choosing Pomegranate Seeds to Plant

Pomegranate seeds straight from the fruit themselves can sprout well when planted, but fresher seeds have higher viability. Here are some tips for picking seeds most likely to grow:

• Collect seeds from ripe, mature fruits with bright red seeds Underripe seeds often fail to sprout.

• Use seeds soon rather than letting them dry and store for extended periods.

• Pick plump, robust looking seeds and discard any that are shriveled up.

• Avoid using damaged or bruised seeds.

• Soak seeds in room temperature water overnight before planting.

• Consider gently cleaning seeds from any clinging juicy arils. This allows better water uptake.

For best results, plant seeds within 1-2 weeks of removing them from a fresh pomegranate fruit.

How to Plant Pomegranate Seeds

Pomegranate seeds need warm soil to germinate successfully. Follow these steps when planting them:

Start seeds indoors

Plant pomegranate seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last expected spring frost. Use small pots with seed starting mix. Plant 1 seed about 1⁄2 inch deep per pot.

Maintain warm soil

Keep pots above 70°F, such as on a heat mat or warm windowsill. Cooler temperatures inhibit germination.

Water sparingly initially

Keep soil moist but not soggy for the first month. Excess water can lead to rotting.

Allow 1-2 months to sprout

Most seeds will germinate within 4-8 weeks when conditions are right. But erratic sprouting over 2 months is normal. Be patient.

Transplant once sprouted

Carefully repot seedlings into larger containers once sprouted and add fertilizer to help growth.

Getting seeds started during late winter gives seedlings a few months of growth before needing to be transplanted outdoors.

Caring for Young Pomegranate Trees

Pomegranate trees grow slowly from seed, only reaching around 2 feet tall after the first year. Protect young trees with proper care:

• Keep trees in partial sun the first year, increasing to full sun as they mature.
• Water 1-2 times per week, allowing soil to partially dry out between waterings.
• Fertilize every 2-3 weeks during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
• Prune lightly in the first year to encourage bushy growth.
• Repot annually in early spring into slightly larger containers.
• Bring trees indoors before temperatures drop below 30°F.

Don’t expect much usable fruit the first few years. Focus on building up a healthy root system and protecting the young trees.

Overwintering Pomegranate Trees

Newly sprouted pomegranate trees cannot withstand freezing winter temperatures and need to be overwintered carefully for the first few years. Here are some tips:

• Bring trees indoors before temps reach freezing. Aim for late fall.

• Provide bright, indirect light from a south facing window or grow lights.

• Water sparingly, just enough to keep soil slightly moist.

• Stop fertilizing and limit pruning during dormancy.

• Maintain cooler indoor temps around 50-60°F.

• Watch for pests like aphids, mites, or scales that can infest indoor trees.

• Return trees outdoors once daily low temperatures stay above 30°F.

Adequate light and cool but not freezing temps are critical for protecting young trees while dormant until they can go back outside the following season.

When and How to Transplant Outdoors

Pomegranate trees grown from seed take 5-6 years before they are ready to be transplanted into the garden. This is a major milestone! Use these guidelines:

• Wait until the trees are at least 5 feet tall with a 1 inch thick stem base.

• Choose a spot with full sun and well-draining soil. Amend clay soils if needed.

• Transplant outside after the last spring frost when temps are warm.

• Dig new holes twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball.

• Carefully remove from pots, loosen roots, and place into holes.

• Backfill holes with native soil, pack down gently, and water deeply.

• Stake newly planted trees if needed while roots establish.

Transplant shock is normal. Provide extra water and shade for a few weeks until the trees perk up again. Protect from frosts as needed.

Caring for Mature Fruit Bearing Trees

Once safely transplanted outdoors, pomegranate trees require slightly different care:

• Water 1-2 times per week during the growing season, less in winter. Providing ample water once fruit sets is key.

• Feed with a balanced fertilizer every 1-2 months during spring and summer.

• Prune annually in late winter to remove suckers, shape, and encourage new growth.

• Protect trees from hard freezes that damage flowers and fruits. Cover or move potted trees.

• Harvest fruit once they reach mature size and develop a deep red blush.

• Enjoy your homegrown pomegranates! The fruits keep for months stored in a cool place.

With the right care and time, seeded pomegranate trees will finally start yielding those prized ruby-like fruits.

Troubleshooting Issues with Pomegranate Trees

Patience is required when growing pomegranates from seeds, but you can overcome common challenges:

Seeds failing to sprout: Ensure seeds stayed moist and warm. Try again with fresh seeds.

Sparse growth: Increase sunlight exposure and fertilize more often for healthier growth.

Leaf yellowing: Usually a sign of overwatering or poor drainage. Allow soil to dry out more between waterings.

Dropping leaves: Can indicate underwatering, pests, or cold drafts indoors in winter. Improve conditions.

Failure to flower/fruit: Needs more time to mature. Trees grown from seed sometimes take over 5 years to bloom and fruit. Be patient!

Don’t give up too soon on slow-growing trees. Adjust care as needed to help them thrive long term.

Final Thoughts on Growing Pomegranates from Seeds

Growing a pomegranate tree from seed saved from a ripe fruit is an enjoyable gardening project requiring dedication over many years. The process takes significant patience as trees often won’t bear usable fruit until at least 5 years from planting. But the reward of harvesting your very own pomegranates after watching a tiny seedling grow into a fruiting tree makes it worthwhile for many gardeners.

Choose plump, robust looking seeds from ripe fruits to start during late winter. Care for young seedlings properly and overwinter trees indoors until mature enough to transplant outside. Provide adequate water, fertilizer, sunlight, and protection from frost. If given the right care and time to grow, seeded pomegranate trees can ultimately become a beautiful and productive addition to any garden.