Difficult, but possible! How to grow pomegranate from seed in open ground?
Pomegranate is not only a tasty and healthy fruit, but also a plant that is used for decorative purposes, grown at home and in the open ground.
The Russian name "pomegranate" comes from the Latin "granatus" (granular). The history of the origin of the name of this fruit in itself is very interesting. In ancient Rome, this fruit had two Latin names - malum punicum and malum granatum. Pomegranate propagates not only by cuttings, but also by planting seeds.
Advantages and disadvantages of this method
Growing pomegranate from grains has the following advantages:
- high germination of seeds (95%);
- undemanding to the ground;
- absolutely any kind of pomegranate is suitable for growing.
Cons of the method:
- troublesome growing process;
- if you plant the grains late in the spring or in another season, then the sprouts will appear after 2 months.
Is cultivation possible in Russia?
Pomegranate refers to heat-loving plantsTherefore, in the open ground, it will not be easy for him to survive the winter in central Russia. But this is possible if you take care of shelter from the cold.
Choice of a season
Landing work is preferably carried out precisely in the winter - from January to February. Then by the beginning of summer the plant can be taken out to fresh air or planted in open ground.
Land preparation
Pomegranate does not have special requirements for the substrate. For him, you can use the soil intended for home crops.
You can add sand to it in an amount of 1/3 of the total soil mix. The substrate must be well moistened and porous.
You can also cook it according to another recipe: mix peat, sand and garden soil in equal proportions. In the pot, it is imperative to think over a large layer of drainage using expanded clay or broken brick.
Choosing the right place
Since pomegranate is a thermophilic plant, then in order for the tree to grow, he needs to look after a well-lit and warm place. The best option would be the windowsill of the south.
Seed preparation
In order for the process of germination of pomegranate seeds to occur quickly and efficiently, it is necessary to properly prepare the seed:
- For germination, a fresh and not too dry seed is selected. Before use, grains must be soaked in water for 24 hours. In this case, it is necessary that part of the planting material protrude from the water for air access.
- If you use a seed from fresh fruit, then it is thoroughly cleaned of pulp and films, otherwise, after immersion in the soil, it will rot.
- To obtain seeds, you need to choose a healthy, beautiful and large fruit. The peel should be clean, no signs of mold, rot and traces of pests should be there.
- At home, the fruit will have to be cleaned and several grains left, since the germination of pomegranate is 95%.Planting material should be clean and not contain traces of pulp, so you have to repeatedly wash the grains under running water.
- Before planting, the grains must have a milky color and be hard to the touch. If the seed is green, soft and not whole, then it will not be able to form sprouts.
How to plant pomegranate seeds in open ground?
After the seeds have been prepared, you can proceed to planting them, observing the following procedure:
- put the seeds into the ground and deepen by 1.5 cm;
- irrigate the soil with water using a spray gun;
- cover the container with plastic wrap to create a greenhouse effect;
- install a container with seedlings in a room where the temperature regime is 25-30 degrees.
How to care for the first time after planting?
The process of growing pomegranate from grains is complex and lengthy, which requires special attention from the grower. For the plant to turn into a flowering tree, several years must pass.. Sprouts begin to emerge after 2 weeks. After that, they must be carefully looked after:
- Arrange a place for plants with natural light. It is best to use a windowsill.
- After 2 months, the leaves will grow. If there are plants on which leaves have not formed, then they are removed. The remaining sprouts are planted in separate pots.
- For planting plants use soil consisting of:
- humus - 1 part;
- turf - 2 parts;
- sand - ½ part;
- peat - ½ part.
Be sure to take care of high-quality drainage using expanded clay. Stack it in 1/3 of the container.
- As soon as May heat comes steady, the pots with plants can be carried out into the open air. The place should be shady or covered by the shade of trees so that the sprouts do not burn the sun's rays.
- With the onset of autumn, pomegranates must be transplanted and transferred to a cool place where young trees can winter. It is necessary to provide them with proper lighting, otherwise the plant will stretch and weaken. In February, the pots can be reinstalled on the windowsill, and in May they can be carried outside.
Care Features
Watering
The crop in question grows well in drought conditions, but full growth and development requires regular and moderate watering.
In summer, watering should be carried out 2 times a week, using water at room temperature.
In winter, when the temperature drops, the plant goes into a dormant statewhich lasts 2 months.
At this time, watering should be reduced, arranging it once a week.
Fertilizers
In order for the pomegranate to fully grow, bloom and bear fruit, it is necessary to feed it regularly. Conduct top dressing in early March and until November. Make a meal once a week. For these purposes, you can use mineral complex and organic compounds.
Bush formation
In order for the pomegranate to form a beautiful bush or tree, you need to pinch it and prune the branches. The first time the pinching is done 2 months after germination. To do this, pinch the top so that the bush forms side branches.As soon as they begin to grow back, the next pinching can be done. Adhering to such an action plan, you can get a magnificent crown of a tree or a beautiful branchy bush. Pomegranate pruning must be done in spring before flowering begins..
In an adult tree, branches growing inside are removed to improve the shape of the plant and give it a neat, well-groomed appearance.
Shelter for the winter
Even when growing frost-resistant types of pomegranate, they must be covered for the winter. Procedure:
- First, you need to spray the tree crown with 3% Bordeaux liquid to protect it from fungal diseases.
- When the average daily temperature reaches below 10 degrees, the branches of the pomegranate must be tied with a rope. If the branches are too long, then they can be twisted a little, since the garnet is flexible.
- Too thick shoots that cannot be bent are cut off. Then they are fixed with iron brackets and sprinkled with earth. The layer thickness is 15-20 cm. A layer of spruce branches is laid on top.
Photo
Below in the photo you can see a pomegranate tree grown from seeds.
What to do if the plant does not take root?
It happens that when growing pomegranate from grains, sprouts do not appear. To avoid this, the following recommendations must be observed:
- use only fresh bones;
- properly prepare the substrate;
- choose a warm and well-lit place for the plant;
- Do not allow the soil to dry out or become waterlogged.
Growing pomegranates from grains is not a simple matter, although it is quite interesting.. This process requires maximum effort and attention, since seedlings and sprouts need regular care and the constant creation of conditions that are adequate for their growth and development.