How to Propagate a Pomegranate Tree? A Detailed Guide to the Latest Methods
The pomegranate is a relatively popular fruit, and its seeds are very tasty, so is the pomegranate tree propagated entirely by seed? In fact, there are many ways to propagate a pomegranate tree, and the techniques are now fairly well established. Besides sowing, the common methods include cuttings, division, and layering. How are these methods carried out? Let's take a look below.
1. Sowing
Sowing is a relatively traditional method, mostly suited to propagating new varieties. Before planting, the seeds need to be awakened by soaking them in warm water for 3-5 hours, then they are placed in a seedbed for raising seedlings. During this period, keep the soil moist with sufficient water and nutrients; after about one month they will begin to germinate and sprout. Once the seedlings reach about 10 cm, they can be transplanted. Choose a period when the weather will remain relatively warm and humid for a while for transplanting, as this helps their later survival.
2. Layering
Layering is the preferred choice for a pomegranate tree when a high-quality mother plant is available, as it can effectively expand the population of superior pomegranate trees. Select a high-quality mother plant that has been growing and fruiting for about 2 years, and take a long, elongated branch from its thick stems; it must be cut, not broken off. Place it into a prepared soil pit for cultivation, paying attention to applying fertilizer and water during this period, and keep the temperature at around 20°C; wait for it to take root. If the layer tends to lean, it is best to give it some support to fix its middle slightly, which helps it take shape quickly.
3. Cuttings
Cuttings are more suitable for expanding the planting range; they are somewhat damaging to the mother plant, but the results are still fairly ideal. This also involves taking part of the mother plant for propagation, but what is taken here is a thick, new small stem rather than a branch. Sharpen one end of the cutting to make insertion easier. Keep each section about 30-50 cm long, disinfect the cut end with a carbendazim disinfectant solution, then insert it into the soil, provide protection, and wait for it to take root and develop.
4. Division
Anyone who has grown them knows that over time the base of a pomegranate tree sends up a cluster of stems; these are the pomegranate tree's offspring and can be used for division. The division process is fairly simple. When cutting them off, be careful to cut at the junction between the offspring and the roots, and do not cut into the mother plant's roots. Then simply plant them like normal seedlings. This kind of division develops extremely quickly, often growing new roots within a few weeks.
The above are some of the more common ways pomegranate trees are currently propagated. Pomegranate tree propagation is quite diverse, which is also why it is currently grown so widely. Do you have any other propagation methods? Share them so we can discuss them together.