Pomegranate Flower Cuttings Propagation and Fertilization Methods Explained in Detail

Pomegranate flowers like a sunny, dry environment, and their vitality is very tenacious. The commonly used propagation method is cuttings propagation. As long as there is a single branch, it can survive, which is really quite impressive. Pomegranate flowers are also relatively easy to grow, and with suitable water and fertilizer they can grow very well. Now let's take a look at the fertilization methods.

How to propagate pomegranate flowers by cuttings

1. Cutting selection

Choose tender branches of the current year for cuttings, because the tissue is delicate and after the cuttings survive they have strong vitality, but the fruiting time is relatively long. If leggy branches or vigorous branches are chosen as cuttings, they are not easy to root and also bear fruit late. For small potted bonsai propagated at home, it is best to use branches more than 3 years old. After cutting, they bloom and bear fruit earlier, and they are not easy to grow too large, which is just right for keeping at home.

Generally, choose grayish-white 2-3 year old branches from robust trees, with a branch diameter of about 0.5-1 cm and a length of 15-30 cm.

2. Cutting method: In a container (flower pot), fill it with soil, water it thoroughly, and set it aside for later use. Then trim the branch, cut the cut surface into a horseshoe shape, and cut off part of the leaves to avoid consuming too many nutrients. Next, insert the branch into the pot, cover it with a plastic bag to retain moisture, and place it in a semi-shaded area. In about one month it will root and grow tender leaves. Once 5-6 leaves have grown, it can be dug out and replanted, slowly turning your pomegranate into a beautiful little bonsai.

How to fertilize pomegranate flowers

1. Shallow trench fertilization: Dig a ring-shaped deep trench around the outermost edge of the flower pot, apply fertilizer into it, and then cover it with soil. When digging, be careful not to cut the pomegranate's root system. This method is suitable for young pomegranate seedlings.

2. Hole fertilization: Directly dig a small hole about 20 cm deep beside the pomegranate, pour the fertilizer into it, and then cover it with soil.

3. Foliar fertilizer: This method is simple and easy to carry out, uses a smaller amount of fertilizer, and takes effect quickly. Mainly dilute the fertilizer and spray it on the leaf surface. After spraying, absorption is obvious within 10-15 days. This method can improve the nutritional condition of the roots, but foliar fertilization cannot replace soil fertilization; the two must complement each other.

The best time for foliar fertilization is before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m., and it is best to spray when the temperature is moderate and the sunlight is not strong.

What to do if pomegranate flowers do not bloom

They should be placed in a place with sufficient light. When repotting in spring, horse hoof pieces can be used as base fertilizer, and before flowering, phosphorus and potassium fertilizer should be applied as a top dressing. During the growing season, apply a thin liquid fertilizer once a month. In addition, be careful not to casually pick off branch tips in spring, because pomegranate flowers mostly bloom from branch tips. Simply cut off dead branches and shorten leggy branches.

How to care for pomegranate flowers through the four seasons

1. Spring care

When the spring temperature rises to 10°C, move the pomegranate outdoors for care (or to an open balcony) and strengthen water and fertilizer management. Fertilize once every half year with a multi-element compound fertilizer of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Do not apply only one kind of fertilizer, otherwise it will cause leggy branches and be unfavorable for growth.

Water according to the principle of seeing dry and seeing wet, and water thoroughly when watering. Because the pot soil of pomegranate bonsai is relatively deep, it is difficult to water it thoroughly in one go. If conditions permit, the immersion method can be used for watering: put the whole potted plant into a water basin and let the water slowly soak the pot soil. However, the immersion method cannot be used often; once a month is enough, and at other times water normally.

2. Summer care

Pomegranate blooms in May, and management at this time is very important. Before flowering, attention should be paid to applying more phosphorus and potassium fertilizer and reducing the nitrogen fertilizer content to promote flower bud differentiation. When flowering, cut off part of the flowers, keep the large flowers, and remove the “triangular” thing at the junction between the flower and the flower stalk. This part will not bear fruit and will fall off automatically after a certain period, consuming nutrients. During the flowering and fruiting period, fertilization should be paused. After fruiting, strengthen water and fertilizer management to promote the growth of pomegranate fruit.

3. Autumn care

Autumn is the best time to admire pomegranates, but after picking the pomegranates, attention should be paid to fertilization. More phosphorus and potassium fertilizer can be applied, while less or no nitrogen fertilizer should be applied, to prevent the plant from growing leggy branches, which is unfavorable for fruiting the next year. After the leaves fall, cut off leggy branches, diseased and pest-damaged branches, overlapping branches, and weak branches. After that, as the temperature drops, gradually reduce water and fertilizer, and prepare for overwintering indoors.

4. Winter care

Pomegranate flowers hibernate in winter. If hibernation is not sufficient, it will affect the pomegranate's flowering the following year. Most households move the pomegranate to a warm place before winter begins, indoors with heating or air conditioning, but in fact this is not favorable for pomegranate hibernation. The best overwintering temperature for potted pomegranate is -2 to -5°C, and below -10°C it will suffer cold damage. If the temperature is above 5°C, it is unfavorable for sufficient dormancy.

The time to move it indoors in winter also needs attention; moving it indoors too early will likewise affect growth. It should be moved indoors only after the winter temperature drops to about -5°C, and placed in a low-temperature environment no higher than 0-2°C, with watering controlled, watering once a month.

Although pomegranate flowers are relatively easy to grow, if you want them to grow well, careful care is very important. The care methods differ from season to season. We can operate specifically according to the introduction above. As long as you care carefully, when the pomegranate flowers bloom, you will feel that your efforts have not been wasted.