The pomegranate (Punica granatum) is a fruit tree valued for its striking orange-red blossoms, glossy foliage, and antioxidant-rich fruit. These trees are remarkably resilient, tolerating drought and thriving in hot, arid climates, making them a popular choice for home gardens. Acquiring a healthy specimen requires understanding the different sources available and the specific characteristics that will ensure its success in your landscape.
Retail Sources for Pomegranate Trees
The choice of vendor influences the selection, price, and health of the tree you acquire. Online nurseries, particularly those specializing in fruit trees, offer the greatest selection of specific cultivars, including rare varieties. Shopping online can also offer competitive pricing, especially for bare-root stock, though you must account for the stress and cost of shipping the live plant.
Local garden centers and independent nurseries provide the advantage of allowing you to inspect the exact tree before purchase, ensuring you buy a robust specimen. These local sources often employ staff with regional knowledge who can provide tailored advice on planting and care. However, their inventory is generally limited to varieties known to perform well locally, restricting options if you seek a less common type.
Horticultural sales or agricultural extension offices sometimes offer high-quality, regionally adapted pomegranate stock, often at a reduced cost. These plants are grown with specific local conditions in mind, increasing their chance of successful establishment. Availability is typically seasonal and limited, so you must plan your purchase far in advance.
Choosing the Right Variety and Form
Selecting the correct pomegranate variety is important, especially if gardening outside of traditional warm growing zones like USDA Zones 8–10. Cold hardiness ratings are a factor, as some cultivars are more tolerant of freezing temperatures than others. Varieties like ‘Cold Hardy Russian’ or ‘Salavatski’ can survive temperatures as low as 0°F to 5°F, extending cultivation into Zone 6 or 7 with proper protection.
Beyond cold tolerance, consider the desired fruit characteristics. The popular ‘Wonderful’ variety is known for its large fruit and tart juice, making it excellent for processing. Other varieties, such as ‘Parfianka,’ are prized for their sweeter flavor and soft seeds, preferred for fresh eating. Cultivars with hard seeds, acidic fruit, and a later budding time tend to exhibit greater frost hardiness.
Pomegranate trees are typically sold in two forms: bare-root or containerized. Bare-root stock is less expensive, offers a wider selection, and tends to establish a stronger root system after planting. These are only available during the dormant season and must be planted quickly upon arrival to prevent the roots from drying out.
Containerized plants offer greater flexibility, as they can be planted year-round, and they experience less transplant shock. While more costly, they allow you to assess the tree’s health and structure immediately. Always inspect the root flare—the point where the trunk meets the roots—to ensure it is not buried too deeply and that the roots are not circling the pot, which indicates a pot-bound tree.
Timing Your Purchase and Delivery Logistics
The optimal time for ordering and planting a pomegranate tree is during its dormant season, typically late winter through early spring. This timing is important for bare-root stock, which must be planted before active growth begins. Planting during this period allows the tree to focus energy on root growth before the stress of summer heat arrives.
When receiving a tree delivered from an online source, unpack and inspect it immediately upon arrival. The tree will arrive dormant, often with its roots wrapped and protected. Check the packaging for signs of damage or stress and ensure the plant matches the variety ordered.
Most reputable vendors offer a guarantee on their nursery stock, which is an important consideration when buying a tree that has been shipped across long distances. Familiarize yourself with the vendor’s policy regarding damaged or stressed plants. Planting the tree soon after receiving it, or temporarily storing bare-root stock in a cool, dark place, ensures a successful transition.