How to Cultivate a Pomegranate Bonsai? Detailed Methods and Techniques

  For thousands of years, under human cultivation and domestication, wild pomegranates have formed two major categories: one is the ornamental flowering pomegranate, and the other is the edible fruiting pomegranate. Ornamental flowering pomegranates are further divided into flower-viewing and fruit-viewing types, but they are mainly known for their brilliant, colorful flowers. Especially when the spring light gradually fades and the flowering season draws to a close, the fiery red pomegranate flowers leap up onto the branches, truly evoking the poetic charm of “a single touch of red among ten thousand greens; moving spring beauty needs no more than that.”

  At present, pomegranate bonsai are selling well in the flower market. Judging from market conditions, pomegranate bonsai with attractive shapes are priced high but sell quickly. Of course, good quality certainly comes from good cultivation techniques. So how are pomegranate bonsai cultivated?

  Stock cultivation stage: For making bonsai, small pomegranate species with dwarf stature, small leaves, and small flowers and fruits are mostly chosen, such as the fire pomegranate, four-season pomegranate, and agate pomegranate varieties. Pomegranates can be propagated by sowing or by cuttings. The seedlings obtained by these two methods must be planted in the ground for more than 3 years before the trunk can be cut back and branches cultivated to produce small to medium-sized bonsai.

  Branch cultivation stage: According to the form of the pomegranate tree, cut off the trunk at an appropriate height and shorten the main branches. Pomegranate bonsai can be made into various tree forms such as straight-trunk style, slanting-trunk style, and curved-trunk style. Pomegranate trees have a certain cold resistance; with slight protection in a sheltered, sunny spot, they can overwinter outdoors in North China. To make the trees grow quickly, ground planting is preferable. Pomegranate trees like fertilizer; in addition to applying good base fertilizer when planting, during the vigorous growth period in spring and summer, apply a diluted, well-rotted organic fertilizer once every half month. Pomegranate trees grow relatively quickly; when the thickness of a branch reaches about 70% of the ideal thickness, shorten the branch to promote the development and growth of side branches.

  Shaping stage: When the pomegranate tree has basically met the design composition requirements, in early spring plant the pomegranate stock into an ornamental pot of suitable size and style. Straight-trunk and slanting-trunk styles can be planted in shallower oval pots, while curved-trunk style can be planted in a square, medium-depth pot. During this stage of cultivation, still apply somewhat more fertilizer to promote tree growth and better refine the shape, while also taking into account the needs of appreciation.

  After shaping: After several years of cultivation, pruning, and shaping, the pomegranate bonsai, while maintaining its form, achieves the goal of viewing flowers in spring and fruits in autumn (flower-viewing pomegranates do not bear fruit). Pay attention to the following points:

  1. Pruning and shaping. Pomegranate trees have strong sprouting ability and grow new branches several times within 1 year. Generally, the robust new branches that grow in spring can form fruiting mother branches. The following spring, the terminal buds or axillary buds on these branches produce short new shoots that often flower, and the flowers on the terminal buds are the most likely to set fruit. Buds that grow in summer and autumn should be cut off in time. Pomegranate bonsai shaping is often carried out before bud break in spring, cutting off water sprouts, overly dense branches, and thin, weak branches, while taking care to retain those robust fruiting mother branches.

  2. Fertilizing. Pomegranate trees like fertilizer more than ordinary flowering plants. When repotting, place a suitable amount of fermented hoof pieces or cake fertilizer at the bottom of the pot. During the vigorous growth period in spring and summer, fertilizers containing more phosphorus should be applied.

  3. Light and watering. The period from late April to early June is the pomegranate's bud differentiation stage. There should be ample light and watering should be appropriately reduced to keep the potting soil on the dry side. When the new leaves at the branch tips are slightly wilted, place the pomegranate tree in a shaded spot for 30 minutes, then water thoroughly into the pot. Repeat this several times, and flower buds will appear in about 20 days.

  4. Fruit thinning. After the fruits have set firmly, cut off the excess fruits not needed for the design. A medium-sized pomegranate bonsai only needs to keep 3-5 fruits. The fruits should be distributed at varying heights, some sparse and some dense, and not evenly spaced. If there are too many fruits, besides looking chaotic, it will also affect fruiting the next year.