Pomegranates are a delicious and nutritious fruit that are a delight to grow in your garden or enjoy as part of your landscaping. If you are considering growing pomegranates, it’s important to know when they fruit so that you can plan accordingly.
In the United States, the majority of pomegranates are grown in California, where the climate is ideal for their cultivation. The pomegranate season typically begins at the end of September and extends through November. During this time, you can expect to find an abundance of fresh, ripe pomegranates available in stores and farmers’ markets.
It’s worth noting that there are different varieties of pomegranates, and each may have a slightly different harvest season. While some varieties may be ready for harvest as early as late summer, the most common variety grown in the US is the Wonderful pomegranate. This variety accounts for about 80 percent of the US crop and is typically in season from October through January.
When it comes to growing your own pomegranates, it’s essential to consider the specific variety you choose, as well as your location and climate. Pomegranates thrive in regions with long, hot summers and mild winters, as they require a certain amount of heat to properly ripen their fruit. If you live in a cooler climate, you may need to select a cold-hardy variety or consider growing pomegranates in containers that can be moved indoors during the winter months.
In my personal experience, I have found that pomegranates can be a bit finicky when it comes to fruiting. It often takes a few years for a newly planted pomegranate tree to reach maturity and start producing a significant yield of fruit. However, once established, pomegranate trees can be quite prolific, providing you with a bountiful harvest year after year.
To ensure a successful fruiting season, it’s important to provide your pomegranate tree with proper care and maintenance. This includes regular watering, especially during dry periods, and fertilizing with a balanced fertilizer in the spring. Pruning is also crucial to promote healthy growth and encourage fruit production.
Pomegranates typically fruit from the end of September through November in the US, with the Wonderful variety, the most common variety, being in season from October through January. Growing your own pomegranates can be a rewarding experience, but it’s important to choose the right variety for your climate and provide proper care to ensure a successful harvest.
