Punica granatum. Organic pomegranate seeds from Malta. Large fruit, very sweet, no tartness, pink flesh. 30+ seeds November '24

Pomegranate Germination and Growing Instructions

Germination

Start with dried and clean pomegranate seeds.
Soak the seeds in water for 24 hours before sowing to help soften the seed coat and promote hydration.
Fill a seed tray or small pots with well-draining potting mix or a seed-starting mix.
Plant the soaked seeds about 1/2 inch deep and cover lightly with soil.
Water gently to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
Place the tray or pots in a warm location (around 70-80°F or 21-27°C).
Germination may take 4-6 weeks, so be patient and keep the soil consistently moist.

Transplanting
Once the seedlings have developed several sets of true leaves, they can be transplanted into larger pots or directly into the ground if the weather is warm enough.
Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil for optimal growth.

Care and Maintenance
Water regularly, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Pomegranates prefer deep watering.
Fertilize during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer to encourage healthy growth.
Prune the plant as needed to promote an open structure and remove any dead or overcrowded branches.

Fruiting Time
Pomegranate trees can start to bear fruit as early as 18 to 24 months after planting, depending on the variety and growing conditions.

Some varieties, particularly dwarf ones, may produce fruit sooner than standard varieties.

Growing True to the Mother Plant
There's controversial information regarding pomegranate seedlings being true to type. Some say that the pomegranates are one of the fruits that will bare the fruit closest to the type comparing to other fruits, others suggest propagation by cuttings.
But growing pomegranate from seeds has its advantages. Seedlings don't take very long to fruit and you will see soon enough if you like it. With the seeds you'll get more new plants that you'd manage to get from the cuttings. If the quality of the fruit is not to your liking it can be grafted or grown as ornamental (Yes! They produce beautiful waxy deep red to dark orange flowers!) Seedlings adapt better to the new growing environment (weather, soil) and have higher survival rate.

Additional Tips

Pomegranates thrive in warm, dry climates. Ensure they receive full sun for optimal fruit production.
Monitor for pests and diseases, and take action promptly if any issues arise.

By following these instructions, you can successfully germinate pomegranate seeds and encourage early fruiting while ensuring your plants remain true to their parent varieties. Happy gardening!