Grow a Bountiful Crop with Cold Hardy Red Pomegranate Trees

Pomegranates are one of the oldest fruits that we know of. They were mentioned in the Bible and ancient Egypt. These plants are becoming more popular because of their pretty flowers that look like they belong in a tropical setting and their antioxidant-rich ruby red arils. Even though most types do best in hot climates, there are some types of red pomegranate trees that can do well in cooler areas. You can pick bushels of fresh pomegranates even in cold northern gardens if you choose the right plants and take good care of them.

What Makes Red Pomegranates Cold Hardy

Pomegranates typically require long, hot summers and mild winters, making them ideal for growing in zones 8-10. Most varieties struggle and fail to ripen fruit properly in cooler climates. However, there are a handful of cold hardy Russian and central Asian types that can tolerate winters down to zone 5.

These hardy pomegranate trees have a long dormant period that keeps them safe from damage when it freezes. Also, they bloom later in the spring, which helps protect plants from damaging frosts. With the right care, varieties like “Salavatski,” “Russian 26,” and “Sirenevyi” have been shown to live below 0°F. Their fruits ripen fully even with a shorter warm season.

Choosing the Best Cold Hardy Variety

If you want to grow pomegranates in a cooler zone, choose one of these recommended cold hardy red varieties:

• ‘Salavatski’ – Extremely hardy Russian pomegranate that has withstood -20°F in some regions. Large orange-red fruits with sweet-tart flavor.

• ‘Russian 26’ – Very productive large-fruited variety hardy to around 0°F. Beautiful red pomegranates with sweet juicy arils.

• ‘Sirenevyi’ – Survives zones 6-10. Reliable producer of pinkish red fruits with a mildly sweet watermelon-like taste.

• ‘Medovyi Vasha’ – Withstands at least 5°F, maybe colder. Early harvest of pinkish fruits with a honey-sweet flavor.

• ‘Pink Satin’ – Hardy to zone 7 with winter protection. Dark pink fruits with very sweet, mild, almost seedless pulp.

• ‘Azadi’ – Good for zone 8-10. Peach-colored fruit with translucent pink arils and a balanced sweet-tart taste.

Ideal Growing Conditions

• Sunlight—The plant needs to be in full sun for at least six hours a day. Morning sun is especially important.

• Soil – Well-draining loam or sandy soil is best. Avoid heavy clay that stays wet.

• Planting Site – Plant in a sheltered, south-facing location for warmth. Near a wall or fence to utilize reflected heat.

• Pollination – Most are self-fertile but plant more than one variety for better fruit set.

• Fertilizer – Apply balanced fertilizer in early spring. Go easy, as excess nitrogen causes leafy growth over fruits.

• Pruning – Prune annually to shape and stimulate fruit bud growth. Thin inward-facing branches and suckers.

• Winter Protection – Heavily mulch the root zone. Burlap or frost fabric helps shield the main trunk.

Caring for Young and Mature Cold Hardy Pomegranate Trees

• Newly planted trees need regular watering until well established, about 1-2 years. Then they become quite drought tolerant.

• Pomegranates are self-pollinating but production improves with cross-pollination. Assist by hand pollinating.

• Apply organic mulch like wood chips or straw around trees to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

• Fertilize mature trees in early spring with a balanced 10-10-10 or organic citrus fertilizer.

• Prune annually in late winter to shape and stimulate fruit buds. Remove suckers and inward facing branches.

• Protect trunks from sunscald by whitewashing with latex paint diluted with water.

How to Get Your First Harvest from Young Pomegranate Trees

• Most pomegranate trees begin bearing fruit 2-3 years after planting. Some precocious varieties fruit in 1-2 years.

• Choose larger potted trees over bare root – you’ll get fruit sooner. A 5-7 gallon size may fruit within 1-2 years.

• Use dwarf or “compact” varieties like ‘Pink Satin’ and ‘Red Silk’ for earlier harvests from small trees.

• Plant in pots or grow as miniaturized bonsai trees – they’ll fruit when very young if cared for properly.

• Pinch or prune new growth in the first year to encourage branching and quicker maturity.

• Fertilize young trees in early spring and continue all summer to help them establish and flower/fruit.

Enjoy an Endless Bounty of Antioxidant-Rich Pomegranates

Now that you know how to successfully grow cold hardy red pomegranate varieties, you can look forward to harvesting bushels of beautiful ruby fruits every fall. Their sweet-tart juice and crunchy arils make refreshing snacks, exotic desserts, nourishing smoothies, and more. With so many culinary uses and added health benefits, a pomegranate tree truly is the gift that keeps on giving!