[Arid_gardener] Re: pomegranate tree

[Olin Miller]

Pomegranates should be deep watered every two weeks in the summer and don't
really need any water during he dormant winter period.  They can take more
water but deep watering every twice a week seems like a lot.  A
nitrogen-based fertilizer like ammonium sulfate (21-0-0) the first few years
is helpful but not really necessary after that.  The deep red type is
usually 'Wonderful" and will produce fruit the same as the parent.  But
there is a lot of cross pollination and if your plant was grown from seed,
there is no way to tell if the grains will be pale pink or red.  We also
found that the fruit is a deeper red if left on the bush as long as
possible.

Olin Miller, Master Gardener Volunteer
U of A Cooperative Extension, Maricopa County AZ
============================================


----- Original Message ----- 
From: <abrami at cox.net>
To: <arid_gardener at Ag.arizona.edu>
Sent: Sunday, April 27, 2008 9:41 AM
Subject: [Arid_gardener] Question from Home-Hort WWW page


> Rosemary Abrami
> 85375-4903
> abrami at cox.net
>
> We have a pomegranate tree in our small, sheltered yard.  It is strong and
> healthy, presently covered in lush foliage and many blooms, as well as
> several already-forming fruits.
> Watering is on a communal bubbler system controlled by the condo i.e. we
> can't affect it, and waters deeply twice a week at present, increasing to
> three times a week in the very hot months.
> I fertilized with  16-8-4P when the first buds started showing.
> Last year we had an large crop BUT the fruits were dry and only pale pink
> inside, apart from one small fruit that was deep red and juicy.  What a
> disappointment!
> What can we do this year to make sure that we get a delicious and
> nutritious crop?  All suggestions gratefully accepted