Having been to Woolworths and bought a couple of plants, I thought I would use Google to find the better ways of bringing them on, but not much there at all...
Is anyone here experienced in the dark arts of pomegranate growing?
Could I grow them in my conservatory?
Thanks in advance
I have some dwarf pomegranates that I grew from Seed...
Very pretty flowers, sharp thorn like terminals on the branches... OH put one through a contact lens!
Would have to be under glass to crop in the UK..
(http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e190/Plot52/Pomgr1.jpg)
(http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e190/Plot52/Pomegranates.jpg)
(http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e190/Plot52/pomegranate.jpg)
They took over ten years to flower from seed! Hope you are a patient man!
Delboy, here's some info on growing Pomegranates:
Germination temperature: Refrigerate 30 days then germinate at 20-25C.
Germination time: 6 to 12 months
Hardiness: Will survive light frosts when mature
Position: Conservatory, greenhouse, outdoors in full sun in moist, humus rich soil or in a pot on a warm patio.
Conditions: Rich, moist (but not waterlogged) soil.
Pomegranate seeds require cold stratification before sowing: soak them in tepid water for 48 hours, and then sow the seeds into compost as above but place in the fridge for about a month. Following their 'fake winter' keep the seeds at 20°C -25°C.
Sow the seeds on top of a good quality seed or general purpose compost. Cover the seeds very lightly with fine compost or vermiculite. They can be sown in reasonably deep seed trays, straight into individual 3 inch pots (2 or 3 per pot - remove the weaker seedlings) or into rootrainers. Keep the compost just moist - don't let the top of the compost dry out too much, as this is a common cause of germination failure. Cut down on watering by covering the pot or tray with plastic film. If you have a heated propagator, use a temperature of 25C. You will need a minimum temperature of 22C for successful germination. They will germinate well in a warm room. Don't leave the seeds in direct sunlight as the heat generated may kill them. If you like you could also spray the surface with a dilute copper-based fungicide.
Once they have sprouted, water the seedlings regularly, but don't let them become waterlogged as this encourages rot. Don't let seedlings dry out as they rarely recover at this stage. Larger plants should be watered regularly - allow the top cm of compost to dry out in between waterings.
When the seedlings have produced their first pair of proper leaves they can be potted on into individual 3 or 4-inch pots if grown in a seed tray. Use good quality potting compost and mix in some organic slow release fertiliser, according to the manufacturer's instructions. Use 2 parts peat free compost, 1 part coir (a peat substitute), plus a little additional organic fertiliser. To ensure good drainage you could also add perlite .
Pot the plants on again before they becomes root-bound (you'll see roots appearing through the holes in the bottom of the small pots). Stake if necessary, tying in stems with soft twine. Seedlings should be grown in good light.
If planting outside or directly in greenhouse border prepare the soil in advance by digging in plenty of organic matter a month before planting. The idea is to increase the moisture retention of the soil. Make sure that plants have been allowed to acclimatise to outdoor conditions for 2-3 weeks before they are moved permanently outside. During this time gradually increase the amount of wind, sunshine and cooler temperatures that the plant experiences. Don't plant out until after all risk of frost has passed.
Pomegranates prefer a spot in full sun and plenty of moisture (but hate being waterlogged). They will tolerate brief light frosts but cannot realistically be over-wintered outside. Keep them in a frost-free greenhouse or in a bright room to be safe.
Pomegranates can be fed when bearing fruit. Use a high potash fertiliser such as a weak solution of organic tomato feed. Feed them no more than once per fortnight. You could add some Seaweed extract (without added fertiliser) to the water once a week. This toughens them up a little and improves disease resistance.
More info from: http://www.readytogrow.co.uk/index.htm
And Saddad -
QuoteWould have to be under glass to crop in the UK..
Oooooooh, I love a challenge!
;D
I keep mine in the glasshouse in the summer and in a warm spare bedroom in the winter, as i have found the y don't like the cold,if in the summer i put it out side on the patio to show it off in bloom,i allways put it back in the glasshouse at night, they don't like to get COLD. Got one friut this year. :)
OK, I get it, they are a challenge...
I will not shirk it and will do my bestest to come up with fruit.
Looks like the conservatory is the place to try them.
Thanks very much for the clear and sensible answers you have given me.
I love this site!
I was going to try them from seed, Delboy, but Woolies are selling young plants right now for £2.99.