Punica granatum POMEGRANATE (10 seeds)

Pomegranate tree, or Punica granatum, is a small deciduous fruit tree belonging to the Lythraceae family. It produces edible fruits known as pomegranates. This slow-growing perennial shrub is native to the Middle East. Reaching a height of 3 to 4 meters, it is perfectly adapted to the Mediterranean climate but also possesses excellent cold resistance. Notably, the city of Granada in Spain owes its name to this tree.

Flowering generally occurs in spring and can continue into summer depending on the climate. Its flowers are bright red, bell-shaped, and grow in clusters. Each flower measures about 3 to 5 cm in diameter with several petals.

The fruit is a rough, spherical berry reaching 7 to 15 cm in diameter, with a thick, leathery skin ranging from red to yellow. The fruit is ripe when the skin is richly colored and produces a hollow sound when tapped. Inside, the fruit contains numerous hard, angular, non-smooth seeds (5 to 10 mm long) surrounded by a juicy, sweet red pulp called the aril.

- Uses:

Ornamental: Prized for its decorative flowers and fruit, it adds color to gardens and borders. It is used as a hedge or a standalone tree.

Culinary: Pomegranates are high in antioxidants and vitamins. The juicy pulp adds a sweet and tangy touch to salads, desserts, and cooked dishes.

Medicinal & Cosmetic: Extracts are used for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It is also found in various cosmetic products. Do not use for medicinal purposes without seeking medical advice.

Craft: The bark of the trunk and the fruit rinds are used as a dye plant for coloring fabrics.

- Germination and Sowing:

• The best period to sow pomegranate seeds is from late May to late June.
• Soak seeds for 12 to 24 hours in lukewarm water to break dormancy.
• Prepare a tray with potting soil. Bury the seeds 1 cm deep.
• Water gently using a sprayer.
• Place the culture in a warm, humid greenhouse environment at a temperature near 30°C.
• Germination typically begins 3 to 6 weeks after planting.

- Substrate / Soil Type:

Punica granatum prefers well-drained, light, and fertile soil. A mix of garden soil, sand, and compost is ideal. A slightly acidic to neutral pH is recommended.

- Exposure / Light:

The tree requires full sun. Good light is essential for both flowering and fruiting. For indoor cultivation, the use of horticultural LED bulbs or MH (Metal Halide) lamps is recommended.

- Temperature / Hardiness:

The plant thrives in warm temperatures between 20°C and 30°C during the growing season. It is highly drought-tolerant and remarkably cold-hardy, easily resisting negative temperatures down to -10°C.

- Watering / Irrigation:

During the growing season, water regularly (once a week if necessary), but allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings to prevent root rot. During the dormancy period, watering should be reduced to a minimum.

- Pests / Diseases:

It can be affected by scale insects, aphids, and red spider mites, which can deform leaves and reduce fruit yield. It is also susceptible to fungal infections like powdery mildew and root rot, which can be treated with Bordeaux mixture.