When Does the Pomegranate Tree Bloom? A Detailed Guide to Its Flowering Period

The pomegranate, also known as An pomegranate, Shanli leaf, and Ruoliu wood, is a deciduous tree or shrub of the genus Punica in the family Lythraceae. The history of pomegranate cultivation in China can be traced back to the Han Dynasty; according to Lu Gong's records, it was introduced from the Western Regions by Zhang Qian. In traditional Chinese culture it is regarded as an auspicious symbol, seen as a sign of many offspring and abundant blessings. Let us take a look below at when the pomegranate tree blooms!

When does the pomegranate bloom?

The pomegranate generally blooms from May to June each year. The pomegranate is a warmth-loving tree species, and its phenological period is later than that of ordinary local broadleaf tree species. It generally begins to sprout in mid-to-late March, leafs out in early April, forms flower buds in mid-to-late April, starts blooming in early May, reaches full bloom from mid-May to mid-June, and basically finishes blooming from late June to early July.

When does the pomegranate ripen?

The pomegranate generally ripens from September to October each year. The pomegranate sets fruit after the flowers fade, and once ripe the fruit becomes a large, many-chambered, many-seeded berry. Each chamber contains numerous seeds; the outer seed coat is fleshy, bright red, pale red, or white, juicy, sweet with a touch of sourness, and this is the edible part. The inner seed coat is horny, and in some it has degenerated and become soft.

Why does the pomegranate fail to bloom?

1. The pomegranate is a light-loving plant. Only with full sun in spring and summer can it grow robust and upright; placed in a shaded spot it often grows poorly, which affects blooming.

2. The pomegranate is very sensitive to fertilizer. Too frequent fertilizing easily causes excessive vegetative growth, which affects flower bud differentiation. Without fertilizing, the nutrients cannot keep up and it is also hard to preserve the flowers.

3. The pomegranate must be protected from excessive moisture. Do not water too much, do not let it be exposed to rain, and do not spray it with water, otherwise it will grow leggy and blooming will be affected.