What are the cultivation techniques for growing pomegranate trees as potted plants at home?

In China's traditional culture, the pomegranate symbolizes many sons and great blessings, as well as happiness and beauty, so many people grow it at home. So what are the cultivation techniques for potted pomegranate trees? Let's learn about them together!

1. A brief introduction to the pomegranate tree

1. The scientific name of the pomegranate tree is pomegranate, also known as shanliye, danruo, jinying, tulin and tianjiang, among others. It is a deciduous tree or shrub said to have been introduced from the Western Regions during the Han Dynasty. It is now cultivated in both northern and southern China, with larger pomegranate planting areas in Anhui, Jiangsu and Henan, and Huaiyuan County in Anhui even has the title of “Hometown of Pomegranates in China”.

2. Pomegranate trees growing in the tropics are evergreen trees, and their crowns grow in clumps in a natural round-headed shape. A typical pomegranate tree is about 4 m tall, but some grow to 5-7 m, and the trunk is grayish-brown with knobby protrusions. Vigorous pomegranate trees also bear many small thorns, but these become fewer as the tree ages. Every year in May and June is the period when the fiery red pomegranate flowers bloom, and of course there are also pomegranate trees with white and pink flowers. Generally three or four months after flowering, that is, in September and October, they produce fruit with bright red, light red or white skin.

3. In addition to the juicy, sweet fruit, which has the effect of replenishing skin moisture and protecting the eyes, the pomegranate tree also has a graceful form and is excellent as a landscaping tree. In addition, pomegranate leaves can astringe and stop diarrhea and treat bruises; pomegranate peel treats irregular menstruation, scabies and ringworm, etc.; pomegranate flowers treat bleeding wounds, etc.; and pomegranate root kills insects and treats roundworms. So it can be said that the whole pomegranate plant is a treasure!

2. Cultivation techniques for potted pomegranate trees at home

Most people in cities today live in high-rise buildings and no longer have the chance to plant fruit trees in a yard, so below we introduce how to grow potted pomegranate trees at home!

1. Potted pomegranate trees are generally grown mainly for their flowers or fruit, so you should choose pomegranate cultivars with large, brightly colored flowers, a longer flowering period and beautiful fruit shape, such as Dahua Pomegranate and Taishan Red Pomegranate.

2. For the container for growing the pomegranate tree, an earthenware pot is best, because earthenware pots drain and breathe better than other containers, which is more conducive to the growth of the pomegranate tree. The size of the earthenware pot should be chosen according to the pomegranate seedling you want to plant.

3. Potted pomegranate trees require loose, airy soil that retains fertilizer and water. You can buy prepared potting soil at a flower and bird market, or mix it yourself using 3 parts garden soil and leaf mold, and 2 parts barnyard manure and fine sand. Remember to sterilize the prepared soil at high temperature for more than half a month before putting it in the pot.

4. Before spring sprouting, put the prepared or purchased soil into the pot. Do not fill the pot completely; about 2/3 full is enough. After putting in the soil, plant the pomegranate tree with its roots spread out in the soil hole in the pot, and cover the pomegranate seedling well with soil, keeping the soil level with its root crown. After slightly firming the soil, water it thoroughly. Once the water has seeped down and the soil is moist, place the pot in a semi-shaded place, and you do not need to water it again before it sprouts.

5. The potted style of the pomegranate tree can be chosen according to personal preference; styles such as straight-trunk, slanting-trunk, combined planting and curved-trunk are all acceptable.

6. After the pomegranate tree is planted, you must also pay attention to care and management. During its growing season, be sure to provide sufficient light, water and fertilizer, and you can apply diluted fertilizer to the pomegranate tree several times. Before all its leaves have fallen, you can apply a heavy fertilizer once to ensure budding and growth the following year. During the flowering and fruiting period of the pomegranate tree, water once every two or three days; in summer, water in the morning and evening, and in winter control the water and take measures to protect it from the cold.

7. In addition, you should promptly prune and thin the fruit of the potted pomegranate tree to ensure the beauty of the pomegranate bonsai. As for timing, you can choose one week after leaf fall in autumn and during the growing season.

The above are the cultivation techniques for potted pomegranate trees at home. In addition, the pomegranate tree in your home can be placed in the living room, on the balcony and in the yard. In feng shui, it is said to have the effect of bringing good luck and happiness and many sons and great blessings.