The Temperature for Pomegranate Trees

Origin and Distribution

• Pomegranates are native to Asia from Iran to the Himalayas in northern India. These plants have been widely cultivated since ancient times throughout India, tropical Africa, the East Indies and southeast Asia. Spanish settlers first brought the plant to the United States more than 200 years ago. Currently, trees intended for fruit harvest in the U.S. are mostly grown in drier parts of Arizona and California. Pomegranate trees will grow in other parts of the country, but they tend to be less productive.

Preferred Climate

• Pomegranates prefer areas with low humidity during the summer when temperatures are the hottest. Plants will grow sufficiently well and even will flower in humid climates, but they will produce little to no fruit. In no way do hot temperatures damage the plant or its fruit. In fact, warm summer temperatures will improve the flavor of fruit as it ripens on the plant. On the other hand, cold temperatures, specifically those lower than 12 degrees, will damage plants. Late spring frosts inflict the most severe damage, particularly if the tree already has some new spring growth.

Site Selection

• Pomegranate plants require full sunlight for best fruit. Plants will flower and fruit sporadically, at best, under partial shade. They thrive in well-drained soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7. They will adapt to most soil types, but prefer calcareous and acidic loam. Pomegranate plants are fairly salt- and drought-tolerant. New plants should be watered every other week during establishment. Limited supplemental irrigation is recommended for mature trees during extended periods of drought for best, long-term fruit production.

Fruit Storage Temperatures

• Pomegranate fruit has a long storage life that is comparable in length to apples. In addition, fruits become increasingly juicy and delicious while in storage if kept at a proper constant temperature. Pomegranates should be maintained at temperatures between 32 and 41 degrees Fahrenheit at 80 to 85 percent humidity. Within this temperature range fruit will last up to seven months. Eventually, if fruit is stored too long it starts to break down internally and will taste flat.