Detailed Explanation of Key Techniques for Pomegranate Planting and Management

Soil Conditions

Pomegranates are suitable for growing in loose soil with good drainage. Although pomegranate trees have low soil requirements, in order to let them grow better and increase yield, the soil around the pomegranate tree roots needs to be kept loose. To loosen the soil, the planting soil must be deeply dug and turned twice each year. The first time is after the autumn harvest season, and it should be done as early as possible; the second time is around the time of sprouting in spring, when shallow digging is suitable. You can also loosen the soil after rain or watering by taking the opportunity while weeding.

Fertilization Method

Use the trenching method for fertilization, but the trench must keep a certain distance from the pomegranate tree. The amount of fertilizer should be determined according to the size of the pomegranate tree. Generally, each young tree needs about 7.5-10 kg, a middle-aged tree needs about 25 kg, and a large tree needs 50 kg. The fertilizer should mainly be organic fertilizer. It can be applied in 2 split applications. The 1st can be chosen before sprouting in spring, and the second can be before the soil freezes in autumn. You can also apply a quick-acting fertilizer once as a topdressing during the fruit swelling period after the flowers fade.

Watering Seasons

Throughout the year, the tree's required moisture must be kept sufficient during three periods: after sprouting and before flowering, during the rapid growth period of young fruit, and before the soil freezes. If there is drought, water promptly.

Pomegranate Harvesting

The maturity level of the pomegranate fruit determines its harvest time. For fully mature pomegranates, the skin shows its inherent color, and the surface is smooth and glossy. For example, the skin of white pomegranate varieties is mainly pale yellow, the entire skin of red varieties turns red with bright color, and green-skinned varieties are green mixed with yellow, with a red blush on the side exposed to the sun.

Pomegranate harvesting is usually carried out in several batches, because pomegranate trees bloom at quite different times, some earlier and some later, but generally batch harvesting starts in early September, except for early-maturing or late-maturing ones. Pomegranate harvesting is also affected by the weather. If the fruit is already mature, it can be appropriately delayed in dry weather and appropriately advanced in rainy weather.

Storage Methods

Commonly used storage methods for pomegranates include the film tent storage method, indoor heap storage method, well cellar storage method, jar and urn storage method, and so on. However, in recent years, in order to reduce the rate of spoiled pomegranates and increase storage time, preservatives mainly based on fungicides have been developed, then applied to the fruit, and combined with suitable storage methods, this can greatly extend the storage time of pomegranates.

Compared with other fruits, pomegranates are relatively easy to store. Under conditions of lower temperature and relatively moist air, they can be stored for a long time. Some can be stored until around the Spring Festival, and some can be stored until April-May of the following year. As long as the conditions are suitable, the storage time is longer.