HOW TO GROW POMEGRANATE FROM CUTTINGS

Pomegranate tree - Kris Peterson




Puncia is a small genus containing only two species. Of these two, Punica granatum, commonly known as the Pomegranate, is the only one in general cultivation.

The pomegranate is a slow-growing, small tree which is native to Afghanistan, however is is cultivated and naturalised through the Mediterranean and the warmer regions of temperate Europe.

Taking cuttings from pomegranates is a relatively easy affair. There are two techniques employed, one for direct striking for warm Mediterranean climates and one for use under protection in northern European countries.

Propagation for Mediterranean climates

Pomegranate blooms
Cuttings are taken over winter from mature, one year old wood. Using a sharp, sterilised blade take as many 12-20 inches long cuttings as you require. All the leaves should be removed and the cuttings should be treated at the base with rooting hormone powder. Tap off an excess powder and insert the cuttings about two-thirds their length into well-drained soil either in a prepared bed or at their permanent position. Whichever you choose make sure that the cutting material is in a sunny position.

Those in the prepared bed can be lifted in 18-24 months once they have become dormant in preparation for winter. Once lifted they can be potted on into 10 litre pots using a good quality, well-drained potting compost or planted on into their final position.

Propagation for northern European climates

Pomegranate cuttings - http://westernfarmpress.com/orchard-crops/
Using a sharp, sterilised blade take 6 inch long cuttings of half-ripened lateral shoots with a heel in late July. Insert the cuttings in equal parts (by volume) moss peat and sand into a propagating frame at 16-18 degrees Celsius.

Once they have rooted, pot them into 3 inch pots containing a well-drained, good quality compost such as John Innes 'No 2', and over-winter them under protection such as a frost-free greenhouse.

Come the spring, repot into 4-5 inch pots and grow them on for a year. They will be ready for planting out or potting on in April or May of the following year.

For related articles click onto the following links:
How to propagate the Foxtail Lily
HOW TO GROW A GRAPEVINE FROM SEED
How to Grow Sedum from Cuttings
How to take Cuttings from Strawberry Plants
HOW TO GROW THE POMEGRANATE
HOW TO GROW POMEGRANATE FROM CUTTINGS
HOW TO GROW POMEGRANATE FROM SEED
HOW TO GROW THE VIRGINIA CREEPER FROM CUTTINGS
HOW TO PROPAGATE ABUTILON FROM CUTTINGS
HOW TO PROPAGATE BOX HEDGING PLANTS
HOW TO TO TAKE CUTTINGS FROM THE STRAWBERRY TREE - Arbutus unedo
How to Take Hardwood Cuttings
THE POMEGRANATE  -  Punica granatum

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