How to Propagate a Pomegranate Tree: A Detailed Guide to Common Propagation Methods
The pomegranate is a fairly popular fruit, and its seeds are very tasty, so is the pomegranate tree propagated entirely from seed? In fact, there are many ways to propagate a pomegranate tree, and the techniques for all of them are now fairly well established. Besides sowing seeds, 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 fairly traditional method, mostly suited to propagating new varieties. Before planting, the seeds need to be awakened first: soak them in warm water for 3-5 hours to wake the seeds up, then place them in a seedbed for seedling raising. During this period, keep the soil moist and the water and nutrients sufficient. After roughly one month, they will begin to germinate and sprout. Once the seedlings reach about 10 cm, they can be planted out. When choosing the day for planting out, make sure the period that follows will be fairly warm and humid, as this helps their later survival.
2. Layering
Layering is a preferred choice for pomegranate trees when a high-quality parent plant is available, and it can effectively expand a group of superior pomegranate trees. Choose a high-quality parent plant about 2 years into bearing fruit, and cut from its thick branches a long, elongated shoot; it must be cut off, not broken off. Place it into a prepared soil pit for cultivation. During this period, pay attention to applying fertilizer and water, keep the temperature at around 20°C, and wait for it to take root. If the layer tends to lean, it is best to give it 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 parent plant, but the results are still fairly ideal. This also involves taking part of the parent plant for propagation, but what is taken is a thick new small branch, not a branch tip. Sharpen one end of the cutting to make it easier to insert. Keep the length of each section at about 30-50 cm, disinfect the cut end with a carbendazim disinfectant solution, then insert it into the soil, provide good 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 grows a cluster of branches; these are pomegranate suckers (daughter plants), and they can be used for division. The division process is fairly simple. When cutting them off, be careful to cut at the junction between the sucker and the root, and do not cut into the parent plant's roots. Afterward, plant them like normal seedlings. This kind of division develops extremely quickly, and new roots often grow within just a few weeks.
The above are some of the more common ways pomegranate trees are currently propagated. Pomegranate propagation is fairly 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.