Pomegranate Bonsai Care

Pomegranates are small deciduous fruit tree from the Mediterranean. They are known for their flowers and fruit but are also used for bonsai. They are great species and are very easy to grow and care for.

In 2016 I bought a Pomegranate fruit from a shop. I ate half of it and germinated the seeds from the other half.

Today I still have 3 trees from this one pomegranate fruit. You can follow their development in my Pomegranate Clump Bonsai Progression and my Pomegranate Bonsai Progression.

What Is The Natural Habitat Of A Pomegranate Tree?

Pomegranates originated in the Iranian area, but have since been cultivated in the Mediterranean and Spanish Americas and can now be found in large numbers in these areas as they are farmed for their delicious fruit.

They like the warm, sunny environment

What Soil Do Pomegranate Bonsai Need?

Pomegranate bonsai need a well draining soil. They do not like to be kept wet for to long. This is why they thrive in the more arid regions of the world, such as the Mediterranean.

I have been using my normal mix of equal parts Molar clay / Perlite / Compost and had no problems with my trees. This is a good free draining mix, so it keeps the moisture levels about right for a pomegranate.

(For more info on soil read – A General Guide To Bonsai Soil)

How Do you Water A Pomegranate Bonsai?

Pomegranate bonsai can handle a little drought, but should really be kept moist at all times. They can also take a lot of water in the height of summer.

You should check your tree regularly as you will find they are fast drinkers and the pot can often dry out quickly and you may start to find the foliage is beginning to weep from lack of water. They will soon perk up after watering. A good free draining soil will keep the soil most without it becoming waterlogged. Water the tree just before it dries out.

(For more info you can read –How To Water A Bonsai)

How Much Sun Light Does A Pomegranate Bonsai Need?

Pomegranate bonsai should be given full sun. The more light they get, the more aggressive they will grow.

As I keep two of my pomegranate trees under grow lights and one outside, I can really see the difference the extra light makes to their growth. The UK sun is enough to keep them happy, but they really do prefer a lot more light, which I can provide them artificially.

This is why they are so commonly found in the Mediterranean regions, the light levels there are perfect for them.

How Hardy Are Pomegranate Bonsai?

Although pomegranates are native to a warmer climate and very much prefer the heat, They are still hardy.

I have left my pomegranate bonsai outside all winter and it has been fine. I would see they are partly hardy and can handle a touch of frost, but I would not advise they are kept below freezing for long.

My climate is still quite mild, but we do get light snow and light frosting. I can leave then outside with no real concerns..

However, if you get a proper long frozen winter, you should really try and protect your pomegranates. I have read that some varieties can go do down to -12°C /10.4°F when in the ground, but I would not recommend to let them get this low for an extended period, especially if they are in a small pot.

If your winters are particularly cold i would try and shelter them somewhere like a cold shed or garage so they can remain cold, but not exposed to the real dangerous level of cold.

(For more info you can read – Working Out How To Over Winter Bonsai Trees)

How Often Do You Feed A Pomegranate Bonsai?

I feed my Pomegranate bonsai once a month during the growing season with an all purpose fertiliser which is more than enough to keep them happy.

(For more info you can read – Do You Need To Use “Bonsai” Fertiliser?)

How Do Pomegranate Bonsai Respond to Pruning?

Pomegranate bonsai respond well to pruning. They can also be hard pruned.

They are quite reliable when you prune them. Nearly always you will get two new shoots at the nodes below where you cut. Sometimes they can actually be a little too excited and send many more shoots in that area, so you will need to come back and check, then remove any unwanted growth.

They will also back bud like crazy, so you may find shoots growing in crotches or of out of the trunk. While this is annoying, they can be easily removed and this is definitely a better problem to have than it not doing this.

(For more info you can read- How To Prune A Bonsai Tree)

Repotting A Pomegranate Bonsai

Pomegranate bonsai should be repotted in spring as the buds starts to swell.

If you watch my videos you will see I have went pretty hard on the roots. I have done some seriously drastic cut backs and the tree has been fine.

You can do this with any deciduous tree so long as its at the right time and the tree is very healthy. Over time you will build a strong root system full of fine roots and you will not need to prune it so drastically.

(For more info you can read – How To Repot A Bonsai Tree)

Wiring A Pomegranate Bonsai

Pomegranate bonsai can be wired into shape very easily.

Then can thicken quite quickly, so be careful the wire does not bite in as this will leave scars.

(For more info read – Why Do We Wire Bonsai?)

What Is The Leaf Pattern Of A Pomegranate Bonsai?

 Pomegranate bonsai have an opposite leaf pattern.

They will also flower if they are healthy and old enough. They are also deciduous, so they should lose their leaves during winter.

What Pests Does A Pomegranate Bonsai Suffer From?

In the UK, Pomegranate bonsai do not really suffer form pests and Iv’e not really any one talking about issues they can suffer, but I imagine the usual suspects like scale or aphids can attack them.

However, They can suffer from fungal issues, especially when they are producing fruit.

Can You Propagate A Pomegranate Bonsai?

Pomegranates are very easily grown from seed. I got my seeds from a supermarket pomegranate. I think i paid 79p and I also got to enjoy the flesh around the little seeds. This is cheaper and more enjoyable than buying packets of seeds.

I also found my seeds germinated and then grew far faster than any other tree seeds I have grown. They are really quick to shoot up.

They can also root very easily from cuttings and air layers, where you can start with a more established tree.

What Is The Growth Rate Of A Pomegranate Bonsai?

Pomegranate bonsai are very vigorous growers. Given the right conditions they will grow very fast. I prune mine a number of times throughout the growing season.

However, as I already mentioned, the tree I keep under the grow light, grows a lot faster than the one I grow outside …the better you can make their growing conditions, the faster it will grow.

Should You Get A Pomegranate Bonsai?

Pomegranate bonsai are a great tree for a beginner. They grow very fast and are very forgiving and enjoy being pruned and worked, I would highly recommend one to anyone.

They can be developed quite quickly. If you watch my videos you will see that mine have developed fast (I have not got a ‘finished’ tree, but they are coming along nicely).

If you have the opportunity to get one, you should, or you could buy some fruit from the supermarket and grow the seeds like I did.

You can read more information about Are Pomegrantes A Good Tree For Bonsai?