Plant propagation is the process of creating new plants from a parent plant. This practice is common for Punica granatum, the pomegranate, a fruit-bearing shrub or small tree valued for its vibrant flowers and fruit. Understanding how to successfully propagate a pomegranate allows you to clone a favorite specimen or start new plants. The following methods provide guidance for reproducing this popular plant.
Propagation Using Seeds
Starting a pomegranate from seed is the simplest way to begin, but it introduces genetic unpredictability. The resulting seedling may not possess the same desirable characteristics as the parent tree, and seed-grown plants often require three years or more before they are mature enough to set fruit.
To begin, clean the seeds by removing the surrounding juicy pulp, called the aril, which contains germination inhibitors. Roll the seeds in a paper towel to absorb the fluid and rinse them thoroughly. Plant the cleaned seeds about a half-inch deep in a well-draining potting mix.
Warm temperatures are important for successful germination, ideally maintaining the soil between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep the soil consistently moist, but never waterlogged; sprouting typically happens within four to six weeks. This method is usually reserved for those interested in creating new, unique varieties rather than cloning a known type.
Propagating via Hardwood Cuttings
Propagating pomegranates using hardwood cuttings is the primary method. This technique ensures the new plant is a genetically identical clone of the parent. The best time to take these cuttings is in late winter or early spring while the tree is dormant.
Select a section of the previous season’s growth that is approximately pencil-sized (1/4 to 1/2 inch in diameter). The cutting should be between 6 and 12 inches long. Using sharp, clean shears, make a slanted cut at the bottom end and a straight cut at the top to distinguish the polarity.
Remove any buds or leaves from the lower two-thirds of the stem. Immediately dip the base into a commercial rooting hormone, such as one containing IBA, to stimulate root formation. Insert the treated cutting into a well-draining rooting medium, like peat moss and perlite, placing two-thirds to three-quarters of the cutting below the surface.
The planting medium should be kept consistently moist and warm. Adequate drainage is essential to prevent the wood from rotting before roots develop. Keep the cuttings in a protected environment until a strong root system is established.
Alternative Method: Air Layering
Air layering results in a clone of the parent plant that is often ready to be detached and planted sooner than a hardwood cutting. This technique involves inducing a branch to form roots while it is still attached to the main tree. The process is typically performed in late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Select a healthy, one- to two-year-old shoot, roughly the thickness of a pencil. Completely remove a ring of bark, approximately 3 centimeters wide, just below a node to expose the cambium layer beneath. Applying a rooting hormone paste directly to the exposed ring encourages faster root development.
Wrap a mass of moist sphagnum moss entirely around the prepared section. Securely cover this with a sheet of opaque plastic, such as polyethylene, to seal in the moisture and create a humid microenvironment. Light brown roots typically become visible through the plastic after a few months.
Once a dense network of roots has formed, the rooted branch is gradually severed from the parent plant. This is done over the course of a week using successive, shallow cuts before the branch is fully detached.
Initial Care for Newly Propagated Plants
Once a new plant has rooted or germinated, it requires careful establishment. The first step is hardening off, which conditions the plant to the outdoor environment. This involves gradually exposing the plant to increasing periods of sunlight and outdoor air over at least seven days, starting in a shaded, sheltered location.
Transfer the newly rooted plant to a small pot with a well-draining soil mix. Young pomegranates need a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day to thrive. The soil should be kept consistently moist in the first year, but overwatering must be avoided to prevent root rot.
Focus watering at the base of the plant, allowing the top layer of soil to dry slightly between applications. Avoid applying any fertilizer for the first few weeks after transplanting. Protecting the small plant from extreme weather and pests during this initial phase is important.