The Russian pomegranate tree is a resilient and productive plant, offering ornamental beauty and delicious fruit. The ‘Russian 26’ variety is valued for its exceptional cold hardiness, thriving where other pomegranates might not. Vibrant orange-red flowers and glossy green foliage add visual interest. The tree’s adaptability and consistent fruit yields make it a popular choice for home growers.
Getting Started with Russian Pomegranates
Russian pomegranates typically grow as deciduous shrubs or small trees, reaching 8 to 15 feet tall with a 6 to 10-foot spread. They are cold hardy, thriving in USDA Hardiness Zones 6-10, with some varieties extending to Zone 11. They require full sun exposure, at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily for robust growth and optimal fruit production.
Well-drained soil, ideally sandy or loamy, is preferred, though various soil types are tolerated if drainage is adequate. A soil pH between 5.5 and 7.5 supports healthy growth. Amending heavy clay soils with organic matter like compost can improve drainage and fertility.
Planting Your Russian Pomegranate Tree
Plant Russian pomegranates in late winter or early spring, after the last expected frost. Dig a planting hole at least twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Ensure the top of the root ball sits level with the surrounding ground.
Before placing the tree, gently loosen any circling roots to encourage outward growth. Backfill the hole with the native soil, carefully patting it down to eliminate air pockets. Immediately after planting, water the tree thoroughly and deeply to settle the soil. For multiple trees, space them 12 to 15 feet apart for proper air circulation and mature growth.
Ongoing Care for Healthy Growth
Consistent watering is important, especially during establishment and fruit development. Newly planted trees need watering every 2 to 3 days for the first 4 to 6 weeks, then every 4 to 7 days. Young trees (6 months to 3 years) need watering every 5 to 7 days during dry periods. Mature trees (over 3 years) require watering every 7 to 14 days during the growing season.
Deep watering, reaching 8 to 12 inches into the soil, encourages a strong, deep root system. While established trees show good drought tolerance, consistent moisture promotes better fruit quality and prevents premature fruit drop. A 3 to 4-inch layer of organic mulch around the tree’s base helps conserve soil moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds.
Fertilization
Fertilization supports vigorous growth and fruit production, avoiding it during the tree’s first year. From the second year onward, apply a balanced granular fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 14-14-14 blend, in early spring before new growth begins. For a two-year-old tree, apply 2 ounces of nitrogen, increasing by one ounce annually until reaching 6 to 8 ounces. Spread the fertilizer evenly around the tree’s drip line, the outer edge of its canopy. Always water thoroughly immediately after applying fertilizer to help nutrients penetrate the soil.
Pruning Techniques
Pruning helps maintain the tree’s shape, promotes air circulation, and encourages better fruit production. Pomegranates produce fruit on second-year wood. Optimal pruning time is late winter or early spring, after hard frosts but before new growth. Pruning too early in winter can stimulate premature growth vulnerable to cold damage.
Pruning Details
During the first year after planting, allow 3 to 6 strong main trunks to establish, and consistently remove any suckers from the base. In the second year, branches can be pruned by one-quarter to one-third of their length, removing any crossing branches and leaving 3 to 5 side shoots per branch. From the third year onward, light annual pruning is generally sufficient to encourage fruit production and maintain an open canopy. Thinning shoots also helps increase fruit size and quality.
Common Issues and Solutions
Russian pomegranates generally exhibit good natural resilience to many common pests and diseases. Aphids, whiteflies, and scales are common insect pests that feed on foliage or branches. Fruit borers can also damage developing fruit. Pest management involves encouraging natural predators, or using horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps.
Diseases
Fungal diseases like powdery mildew (white coating on leaves) and leaf spot (circular lesions) can occur. Root rot is a risk in overly wet conditions. Proper air circulation through judicious pruning and avoiding overwatering helps prevent many fungal issues. Watering at the base of the tree, rather than wetting the foliage, also reduces disease risk. Remove any infected branches promptly.
Winter Protection
Despite their cold hardiness, young Russian pomegranates in USDA Zones 6 and 7 may benefit from winter protection. A 3 to 4-inch layer of mulch around the tree’s base helps insulate roots from freezing temperatures. Planting in a location sheltered from harsh northern or western winds, perhaps on a building’s east side, can create a warmer microclimate. For very young trees, wrapping the trunk with burlap can offer additional insulation during cold snaps.
Harvesting Your Fruit
Russian pomegranates typically ripen from late summer to early fall, depending on the climate. Pomegranates do not ripen further once picked. Ripe fruit feels heavy for its size, indicating full arils. The skin often feels slightly soft and scratches gently.
Shape may become angular or “boxy” due to expanding arils. Tapping produces a metallic or hollow sound. Fruit should display a uniform color (red, pink, or orange) with no green areas, especially near the stem. To harvest, use sharp bypass pruners or a knife to cut the fruit from the branch; pulling can damage both the fruit and the tree.